elbow grease
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
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
And a little elbow grease goes a long way, McDonald says.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 9, 2022
International economists often describe South Korea as the single most impressive example of what free markets, democratic government, and elbow grease can do to transform a small agrarian backwater into a global powerhouse.
From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden
