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

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

The drinks here showcase how flexible watermelon can be in a variety of flavor profiles to help you polish off the last of your summer.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 20, 2021

Night after night, she sat at her desk, hoping to polish off some quick, noncommittal little speech.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

Related Words

• finish off
• put away