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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The 74-year-old Weinstein, meanwhile, reported chest pains during jury deliberations in the most recent trial, spurring another early end to court.
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The colors, pains, pleasures, smells, tastes and sounds, the what-it’s-like of being conscious, are not private inner bits and blobs that philosophers call qualia, floating in a theatre of the mind.
Cite this Entry
“Elbow grease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elbow%20grease. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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