ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stick to one's last

idiom
Meaning

To stick to one's knitting (to concentrate on one's own tasks, affairs, area of expertise etc.).


Origin

disputed origin

Compare the proverb cobbler, keep to your last or shoemaker, stick to your last.

Examples
SIMPLE

You should stick to your last and focus on your own work.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager told the accountant to stick to his last instead of giving advice on the marketing strategy.

COMPLEX

While the temptation to offer unsolicited advice on the architecture was strong, the engineer wisely chose to stick to his last and concentrate on the structural integrity of the project.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

Last updated July 12, 2026