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
Unlike bulky box graters that can take up space and food processors that require power, the best paddle graters store flat in a utensil drawer and only require a little elbow grease for power.
—
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025
Along with all the elbow grease the pair have to put into each project, viewers will see the tearjerking moments that come with every big reveal.
—Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 24 July 2025
Where are the accounts of countless hard-working business owners and employees who, at their own expense and with their own elbow grease, repeatedly remove the results of these constant acts of malicious vandalism?
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 16 June 2025
To experience the preserve’s tranquility, visitors have to put in a little elbow grease.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 18 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for elbow grease
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025
Along with all the elbow grease the pair have to put into each project, viewers will see the tearjerking moments that come with every big reveal.
—Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 24 July 2025
Where are the accounts of countless hard-working business owners and employees who, at their own expense and with their own elbow grease, repeatedly remove the results of these constant acts of malicious vandalism?
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 16 June 2025
To experience the preserve’s tranquility, visitors have to put in a little elbow grease.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 18 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for elbow grease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elbow grease
Noun
-
The Democratic nominee for mayor also gave a speech at an African Methodist church, an effort to bridge the gap with apprehensive Black voters.—
Amie Parnes,
The Hill,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The improved profitability came as Beijing intensified efforts to rein in excess supply and aggressive price wars that had hurt companies' bottom line.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But according to government guidance, personnel must return home as soon as possible if a shutdown occurs while on work travel.—
Anne Flaherty,
ABC News,
30 Sep. 2025
-
His work with rural counties has earned favorable notices, but in urban areas like Phoenix, many of the experts in Joan's reporting raised questions about Livar's effectiveness.—
Shaun McKinnon,
AZCentral.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
For many, the virus results in flu-like symptoms, such as a fever with headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, per the CDC.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
28 Sep. 2025
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In April, 44-year-old Marie Ange Blaise, a Haitian, died while being held at GEO’s Pompano Beach facility after complaining of chest pains.—
Shirsho Dasgupta,
Miami Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elbow grease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elbow%20grease. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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