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
For spring cleaning gadgets, try this Roomba robot vacuum to make messes disappear without any elbow grease, as well as the Swiffer PowerMop to make floors really sparkle.
—
Clara McMahon, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Using a good-quality leather cleaner and a little elbow grease is the simplest way to keep your leather goods in premium condition.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Restoring that familiar shine might take some elbow grease, but the results will be well worth the work.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2025
Pump or manual sprayers require the most elbow grease but are also the cheapest.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elbow grease
Clara McMahon, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Using a good-quality leather cleaner and a little elbow grease is the simplest way to keep your leather goods in premium condition.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Restoring that familiar shine might take some elbow grease, but the results will be well worth the work.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2025
Pump or manual sprayers require the most elbow grease but are also the cheapest.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elbow grease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elbow grease
Noun
-
The project has been anchored by the relentless efforts of Wood and Orr, experts in rubbing elbows and working a crowd and the phones.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
11 May 2025
-
However, thanks to aggressive conservation efforts, including predator control programs, habitat restoration, and breeding initiatives, several kiwi species have seen rebounds.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
After his ordination, Prevost went to work as a missionary Peru.—
May 8,
CBS News,
9 May 2025
-
His pastoral work and multicultural background resonated with Pope Francis, who brought Prevost to the Vatican in 2023.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elbow grease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elbow%20grease. Accessed 19 May. 2025.
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