When something is stuck, you can apply force and exponentially multiply your strength by cleverly employing a fulcrum point.
(In physics, this may be a rock against which you brace a pole; in business, it may be friends or access to capital that allows you to outperform your singular strength.)
Yet, if things are rusted into place, your muscularity is misused and damaging. Instead, a solvent is applied to soften the bonds and weaken resistance. It takes more time but less effort.
It requires patience, which is its own type of leverage.