have (one's) shoulder to the wheel
To make a sustained, concentrated, and vigorous effort; to work very hard and diligently. After nearly being expelled my first year of college, I had my shoulder to the wheel so that I could get as much out of my degree as possible. I know that the new deadline is tight, but if everyone has their shoulders to the wheel, I know we can get it done in time!
have one's shoulder to the wheel
and keep one's shoulder to the wheel; pit one's shoulder to the wheelFig. to do the hard work that needs to be done; to focus on getting a job done. You won't accomplish anything unless you put your shoulder to the wheel. I put my shoulder to the wheel and finished the job quickly.