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Region: US | Usage example: This table needs some elbow grease to shine again.

Elbow grease

Meaning

Physical effort needed to make something clean or polished.

Usage

Encourages hands-on effort rather than shortcuts.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Old-time craftspeople noted grease on their elbows after polishing.

Used in carpentry and housecleaning advice in the early 1900s.

Related Idioms

Beat a dead horse

Waste effort on something already decided.

Grease the wheels

Make a process run more smoothly.

A shot in the arm

Something that boosts morale or energy.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.