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.
The most important thing is to keep your money working for you as hard as it possibly can — and for that, you need to apply some elbow grease to keep it moving.
From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026
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
"Some elbow grease was required to do it," she says, but "most marks came off, and the results are nice on both stainless steel and cast iron pan bottoms."
From Salon • Nov. 25, 2022
An old rag, lukewarm water, and elbow grease soon brought a sheen to the table.
From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson
