as in effort
the active use of energy in producing a result
with a little polish and a lot of elbow grease, I was able to make the old silver teapot shine again
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Recent Examples of elbow grease
Those stubborn stains can be removed with a little elbow grease and a damp Magic Eraser.
—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
1 June 2026
If a little elbow grease is all that is required, a task will be accomplished.
—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
The formula will work overnight—and sans elbow grease—to keep your shower cleaner.
—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
10 May 2026
Forget pluck, elbow grease and a little old-fashioned hard work.
—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for elbow grease
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
1 June 2026
If a little elbow grease is all that is required, a task will be accomplished.
—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
The formula will work overnight—and sans elbow grease—to keep your shower cleaner.
—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
10 May 2026
Forget pluck, elbow grease and a little old-fashioned hard work.
—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for elbow grease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elbow grease
Noun
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But the effort was set aside after the onset of COVID-19, which caused massive disruptions across the Los Angeles Unified School District, said Michael Trujillo, a political strategist for Gonez.
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Both countries have stepped up efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation and uphold international law in the strait, including hosting a summit with 51 other nations in April.
Noun
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Roth was placed on administrative leave but returned to work shortly afterward, according to the lawsuit.
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Considering flight attendants spend the majority of their week living out of a suitcase, their luggage has to be truly top-tier—capable of holding all of their work essentials, personal items, and more without missing a beat.
Noun
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Having witnessed centuries of religious warfare in Europe, when millions were killed for their beliefs, the framers took pains to make sure nothing like that would happen here.
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Perhaps second only to getting sunburned through your favorite white dress, the greatest casualty of summer fashion is the aches and pains brought on by your cutest but least supportive shoes.
Cite this Entry
“Elbow grease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elbow%20grease. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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