To apply oneself vigorously to a task, contributing physical effort and determination to overcome obstacles.
This phrase comes from the era of horse-drawn wagons and carriages, when vehicles would get stuck in mud or ruts. Passengers and bystanders would literally put their shoulders against the wheel spokes to help push the vehicle free, requiring coordinated group effort.
The beauty of this phrase lies in its communal origins - it wasn't about individual heroics but about everyone working together to solve a common problem. The image captures both the physical strain and the cooperative spirit needed to overcome difficulties.
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