humorous. Vigorous rubbing, proverbially referred to as the best unguent for polishing furniture. Hence allusively, energetic labor of any kind.
1672. Marvell, Reh. Transp., I. 5–6. Two or three brawny Fellows in a Corner, with meer Ink and Elbow-grease, do more harm than an hundred systematical Divines with their sweaty Preaching.
1699. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, Elbow-grease, a derisory Term for Sweat.
1735. Littleton, Lat. Dict., It had no elbow-grease bestowed on’t. Nec demorsos sapit ungues.
1879. Trollope, Thackeray, 122. Forethought is the elbow-grease which a novelist,—or poet, or dramatist,—requires.
