Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"I'm quite sure there are people... who are polishing their shoes and tightening the knot on their ties to step forward should that vacancy occur or be forced," says Farr.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

“He has all the ability in the world. So the coaches are polishing him up, and he has the potential to be a great player.”

From Washington Post • Jul. 30, 2019

The propmasters are polishing the statuettes and calling out numbers for each. 

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2016

Barbie Latza Nadeau on why some Vatican officials are polishing up their resumes.

From Newsweek • Apr. 15, 2013

And then, while they are polishing at top speed, on board scrambles Little Buttercup.

From Operas Every Child Should Know Descriptions of the Text and Music of Some of the Most Famous Masterpieces by Bacon, Mary Schell Hoke