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Elbow grease

Elbow grease

Meaning

Energetic labour, especially in the polishing of household items.

Examples

That silver will never get a shine like that – put some elbow grease into it.

Where did it originate?

Britain, late 17th century.

Where is it used?

Britain, mostly by the older generation.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Elbow grease

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