by the sweat of brow

by the sweat of (one's) brow

Through or because of one's own efforts or hard work. By the sweat of his brow, my father turned a barren little plot of land into the flourishing farm you see today. This pair of entrepreneurs has created a billion-dollar company by the sweat of their brow.

See also: brow, by, of, sweat

by the sweat of one's brow

Fig. by one's efforts; by one's hard work. Tom raised these vegetables by the sweat of his brow. Sally polished the car by the sweat of her brow.

See also: brow, by, of, sweat