What does the saying elbow grease mean?

hard work
Definition of elbow grease : hard work There is just no substitution for the elbow grease involved in promotion. You just have to get out there and work hard to get the word to the stores that the book is available.—

What is the origin of the expression elbow grease?

The term elbow grease was first used in 1672; a 1699 dictionary of slang called it “a derisive word for sweat.” Back in the day, elbow grease was exploited for practical jokes. An unfortunate young worker would be sent out to purchase the “elbow grease” for polishing furniture.

Who invented the phrase elbow grease?

poet Andrew Marvell
If your little brother complains that mowing the lawn is too hard, you might say, “It just takes a little elbow grease!” The English poet Andrew Marvell used the word in 1672, and in 1699 it appeared in the “New Dictionary of the Canting Crew” with the definition “a derisory Term for Sweat.”

How do you use elbow grease in a sentence?

use of physical or mental energy; hard work. (1) Elbow grease gives the best polish. (2) It took a considerable amount of polish and elbow grease before the brass shone like new. (3) The polish needs a certain amount of elbow grease to apply.

How good is elbow grease?

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommend, didn’t require my elbow grease. This stuff is amazing. Great for begging rid of extra grease in the kitchen- extractor hood cleaned in seconds.

Is elbow grease an actual thing?

Nope! Elbow grease is not an actual miracle product that will make mud and grime disappear. It’s actually an idiom that refers to good old-fashioned hard work. Elbow grease is an idiom that’s been around for hundreds of years in several languages.

Is it correct to say more grease to your elbow?

6. “More grease to your elbow.” The correct form of this peculiarly British English expression is “more power to your elbow.” It is used to praise people and wish them continued success in what they do. The usual form of the expression in American (and increasingly British) English is “more power to you!”

Can I use elbow grease on painted walls?

UPVC. From front doors to windows, easily remove marks and scuffs from uPVC with Elbow Grease. TOP TIP: Don’t use Elbow Grease on painted or wooden doors. It could strip the finish.

Can you use elbow grease on oven door?

Oven and stove top Elbow Grease is great for a total oven clean, the job in your kitchen that, let’s face it, you’ve probably been putting off! Spray it on all the oven surfaces including on the hob and the extractor fan, leave for 5 minutes and then wipe clean with a sponge scourer.

How long can you leave elbow grease on?

Spray Elbow Grease onto a sponge or cloth. You can also spray directly onto the surface you wish to treat. For maximum cleaning power, leave to sit for 2-5 minutes.