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

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

D.C.'s counterattacks failed to put the match away, and although United still seemed well positioned to polish off the game, it wobbled at the end.

From Washington Post • May 21, 2022

Monty aims for a gritty kind of polish off Westlake’s beaten path.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2022

After I polish off the rest of the kabob, I tell my friends, “I just had history,” remembering what I was excited to share with them.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan

Related Words

• finish off
• put away