in harness

Idioms and Phrases

On duty or at work. For example, Despite his illness he's determined to continue in harness . It also is put as be back in harness , meaning “to return to duty or work,” as in After a long vacation she's finally back in harness . This expression alludes to horses harnessed to perform work. [First half of 1800s] Also see die with one's boots on (in harness) .

Example Sentences

Bit wear on two of the mares also suggested they were used under saddle or in harness and for breeding.

From Science Daily

Each March dozens of sled teams — many with 16 dogs in harness — make the arduous journey from the city of Anchorage to Nome, on the state’s far west coast.

From Seattle Times

“If I get back in harness, it’s not just about singing, it’s about promotion, it’s about playing, it’s about the radio, politics, business, blah, blah, blah,” he said, with a wave of his hand.

From New York Times

Thousands of his supporters in the usually sleepy northern Serbian town of some 47,000 people also converged on the local horse racing track where Jokic was watching his family-owned horses compete in harness races.

From Seattle Times

A writer of immense range and output, capable of 6,000 words a day when in harness, Mr. Johnson modeled his career after earlier English men of letters, like Thomas Babington Macaulay and G.K.

From New York Times

Related Words

• engaged
• hired
• occupied