elbow grease

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ˈel•bow ˌgrease, n. [uncountable]

1. physical exertion;
   hard work:
   A little elbow grease and we'll have this place cleaned up in no time.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

el′bow grease′, 

1. strenuous physical exertion:
   a job requiring elbow grease.

• 1630–40

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

elbow grease noun

1. vigorous physical labour, esp hard rubbing