Give it some welly.

Verb
give it some welly (third-person singular simple present gives it some welly, present participle giving it some welly, simple past gave it some welly, past participle given it some welly)
(UK) To increase fuel or power to an engine, as to a car by depressing the gas pedal.
(UK) To apply great physical effort to (something).
This little bird was immersed in water looking for food. Obviously it is not a wader, but he was still persistent. Something I should perhaps take on board for the New Year.