polish off

British  

verb

1. to finish or process completely

2. to dispose of or kill; eliminate

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polish off Idioms  

1. Finish or dispose of, especially quickly and easily. For example, We polished off the pie in no time, or If everyone helps, we can polish off this job today. This usage, dating from the early 1800s, came from boxing, where it originally meant “to defeat an opponent quickly and easily.” By the 1830s it was used more generally.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

polish off

There is something magical about seeing Ohtani polish off his first inning on the mound, then immediately grab a bat and head to the plate without ever stopping in the dugout.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 10, 2026

A disproportionate number not only did not even passively resist but showed themselves eager to lick the polish off Hitler’s jackboots, if necessary.

From Salon ● Nov. 1, 2024

Dripping with honey butter and fruity jam, the biscuits are impossible not to polish off.

From New York Times ● Dec. 26, 2022

First, Clarkson found Matayo Uiagalelei over the middle who then hurdled a Servite defender to polish off a 32-yard gain to midfield.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2021

“Come on, Moose,” she says after I polish off a stack of cold pancakes from last night’s supper.

From "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko

Related Words

• finish off
• put away