elbow grease

American  

noun

1. strenuous physical exertion.

   a job requiring elbow grease.

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elbow grease British  

noun

1. facetious vigorous physical labour, esp hard rubbing

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elbow grease Cultural  

1. Strenuous physical effort: “If you're going to get this job done, you'll need to apply a little elbow grease.”

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elbow grease Idioms  

1. Strenuous physical effort, as in You'll have to use some elbow grease to get the house painted in time. This term alludes to vigorous use of one's arm in cleaning, polishing, or the like. It soon was extended to any kind of hard work, and Anthony Trollope used it still more figuratively (Thackeray, 1874): “Forethought is the elbow-grease which a novelist ... requires.” [First half of 1600s]

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Etymology

Origin of elbow grease

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

A good fit for: Cooks who want a chemical-free pan that lasts—and don’t mind putting in a little elbow grease.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

In ‘99% Perspiration,’ data and stories illustrate the roots and consequences of a very American dilemma: the belief that old-fashioned elbow grease will get you anywhere you want to go.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2025

His quick progression separates him from others his guitar coach, Matt Benham, has taught, and a big part of that is elbow grease.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 31, 2023

Antique lighting, although beautiful, also can be difficult to work with, because it may need some elbow grease and rewiring to get it functioning again.

From Washington Post • Jul. 26, 2022

An old rag, lukewarm water, and elbow grease soon brought a sheen to the table.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson