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.

It says that the government’s proper role is to clear a path so those who put in the elbow grease can earn success.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 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

Even though, yes, you may need a bit more elbow grease that you typically associate with weeknight cooking, I've never grasped why risotto has become such a culinary bogeyman for so many people.

From Salon • Jul. 2, 2023

“It seems like magic, but of course there’s all this elbow grease that’s gone into the recognition.”

From Washington Post • Jan. 8, 2023

Just needed some elbow grease and then it would shine and sparkle like a crown.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray