Give it plenty of elbow grease.

Put substantial physical effort into the task rather than expecting it to be done easily. “Elbow grease” pictures the hard work of using one’s arms and hands.

The advice also encourages persistence: a stubborn job may yield to sustained, energetic work. It emphasizes effort, not a special tool or technique.

Use this informal expression to encourage someone tackling a hands-on job, such as scrubbing a surface or shifting something that resists easy movement. It can sound brisk or playful when the work is difficult.