To be at the coalface means to be on the front lines–working at a practical level, rather than a theoretical one. The phrase is primarily British, and derives from the image of coal miners having direct contact with exposed ore. This is part...
A dogsledder in Vermont wonders why he and his fellow mushers direct their furry packs by shouting gee for “right” and haw for “left.” This is part of a complete episode.
illo n.— «Direct your gaze, if you will, to the illustration (or ‘‘illo,’’ as they say in the publishing game) in the center of this page.» —“Diablo Cody on Heroine Chic” by Diablo Cody Entertainment Weekly Jan...
detailing n.— «Direct-to-physician activities accounted for the bulk of spending, with $5.3 billion spent on a practice called “detailing”—visits to physicians by pharmaceutical sales representatives in order to promote their...
spiff n.— «You’ll typically get a slight discount (three to 10 percent off the full retail price) but it won’t be as much as what you might negotiate with the dealer if you were buying directly from him, since the U. S. dealers lose out...
chirping n.— «SprintNextel service offers both traditional and direct-connect options. Direct-connect operates like a walkie-talkie and is sometimes called “chirping.”» —“Cell records put suspect near scene, expert...