elbow grease

noun

Definition of elbow greasenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of elbow grease Save yourself time and elbow grease by opting for slate, wood, or vinyl flooring that is water-resistant and easy to wipe off. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026 But the plumbing problem isn't just a question of a plunger and some elbow grease. — Steve Walsh, NPR, 4 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 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
  1. effort
  2. work
  3. pains
Noun
  • The totality of Clark’s effort made White react more like a fan than a coach.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • Smaller nonprofit efforts — often faith-based — can also offer a soft landing place, but few exist.
    — Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Definition of effort
Noun
  • To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • The hours between finishing work for the day and going out to dinner are the calm before the storm.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Definition of work
Noun
  • Blanche said department lawyers took pains to protect the women involved, and quickly fixed any errors that were found.
    — Alanna Durkin Richer, Fortune, 16 July 2026
  • Those include aches and pains, fever, cough, shortness of breath.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 15 July 2026
Definition of pains

Browse Nearby Words

elbowed
elbow grease
elbowing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elbow grease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elbow%20grease. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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