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
Removing a popcorn ceiling can be messy and tedious, but with proper planning, safety precautions and some elbow grease, you can transform an outdated texture and reveal a clean, smooth surface.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 2, 2024
Just needed some elbow grease and then it would shine and sparkle like a crown.
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
