polish up
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle up
Meanings
Improve a skill by extra practice
Why “up”? Something is made neater, better-looking, more impressive, or more appealing.
“She polished up her French before the trip.”
“He polished up his speech before the event.”
Don't confuse with
Polish up means improve a skill by extra practice. Polish off means finish food or work quickly.
Test yourself
“She polished up her French before the trip.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
polish off
A contrast learners often mix up
Finish food or work quickly
build up
Same up pattern: making better
Gradually increase in amount, strength or intensity; Develop or strengthen something over time; Make someone or something seem more important or impressive than they are; Encourage or strengthen someone emotionally; Create momentum towards a moment or event
do up
Same up pattern: making better
Fasten a button, zip or buckle; Improve a room or property by repairing or decorating it; Wrap or tie something into a neat package; Style or arrange one's hair or appearance
dress up
Same up pattern: making better
Put on smart or formal clothes; Wear a costume, often imitating someone or something; Make something look more attractive or impressive than it is
fix up
Same up pattern: making better
Repair or improve the condition of something
patch up
Same up pattern: making better
Repair something quickly or restore a relationship
smarten up
Same up pattern: making better
Make yourself look neater or more presentable
spice up
Same up pattern: making better
Make something more interesting or exciting
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