schouders eronder zetten

Literally, “to put [one's] shoulders under it”, referring to the physical action of lifting heavy objects on one's shoulders.

schouders eronder zetten

1. (idiomatic, intransitive) to work hard and make a strong effort; to put in the work

   Als we nu even de schouders eronder zetten, kunnen we straks rustig aan doen. ― If we put in the work now, we can go easy afterwards.

   Kom op, schouders eronder zetten, dan zijn we zo klaar. ― Come on, let's work hard and we'll be done in no time.

• Often, but not necessarily, preceded by the definite article de.
• Sometimes encountered with elision of the verb as an interjection of encouragement, e.g.: kom op iedereen, schouders eronder!