elbow grease
US /ˈel.boʊ ˌɡriːs/
UK /ˈel.boʊ ˌɡriːs/
1.
hard physical work, especially vigorous polishing or cleaning
:
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This old car needs a lot of elbow grease to get it shining again.
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Cleaning the entire house will require some serious elbow grease.