Give it plenty of elbow grease.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

The phrase calls for sustained practical effort on a task. Elbow grease is figurative hard work, not a substance or a guarantee that more effort will solve every difficulty.

What the words are saying

The elbow supplies an image of bodily work, and grease gives it the playful form of something that could be applied. The phrase commonly serves as encouragement to work at a task rather than wait for it to complete itself. Its useful point is effort directed towards a method that actually helps. It does not mean that every problem is caused by insufficient work or that someone should exceed their limits. Equipment, skill and a changed approach may be needed. Before demanding more effort, consider whether the task is suitable and whether the person has the means to carry it out.

Everyday example

A team sets aside time to clean and arrange reusable exhibition materials, while changing its method where a damaged item needs suitable repair instead of harder scrubbing.

When to use it

Use it for practical effort when the task and method are appropriate.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.