spit-shine

American  

[spit-shahyn] / ˈspɪtˌʃaɪn /

noun

1. a shoeshine in which a fluid, such as water, saliva, or lighter fluid, is used to impart a high gloss.

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verb (used with object)

spit-shined, spit-shining

1. to give a spit-shine to.

Etymology

Origin of spit-shine

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

It’s much simpler, however, to spit-shine escapist Social Progress tales drawn from a mythologized version of history.

From Salon • Dec. 30, 2018

Whether or not Kelly should be so deferent doesn't much matter, given the spit-shine of the finished product.

From The Guardian • Jan. 12, 2013

No matter how much he pleads, the tabloids will never leave Woods alone, nor will his hagiographers continue to spit-shine his halo.

From Slate • Feb. 19, 2010

Oh, how it’s ruined so many memories, memories that took years to build, years to protect, polish and spit-shine, and in an instant — poof!

From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2010

A motley mix of military equipment—U.S.-built M60 tanks, Soviet-supplied personnel carriers, field guns made in South Korea—gleamed in the sun, ready to roll, polished to spit-shine perfection.

From Time Magazine Archive