Synonyms of elbow grease

elbow grease

noun

as in effort

the active use of energy in producing a result

with a little polish and a lot of elbow grease, I was able to make the old silver teapot shine again

Synonyms & Similar Words

• effort
• work
• pains
• expenditure
• sweat
• trouble
• energy
• labor
• exertion
• while
• power
• toil
• try
• drudgery
• strain
• muscle
• attempt
• might
• dint
• essay
• pass
• endeavor
• trial
• force
• go
• travail
• grind
• stab
• slog
• shot
• whack
• puissance
• fling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• facility
• ease
• smoothness
• fluency
• inertia
• inaction
• inactivity
• laziness
• idleness
• dormancy
• indolence
• adroitness
• quiescence
• languor

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of elbow grease

Worse Unlike most traditional stains that benefit from a little elbow grease, burn marks are best treated gently. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 2 July 2026

There are also a ton of discounts on cleaning gadgets like this Dyson cordless vacuum that converts into a handheld and this Swiffer PowerMop that can make hardwood and tile floors shine without significant elbow grease. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026

Propellers can be particularly burdensome because rotors often need to be removed, cleaned and reinstalled, requiring some real elbow grease. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 June 2026

Save yourself time and elbow grease by opting for slate, wood, or vinyl flooring that is water-resistant and easy to wipe off. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026