# buff out

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/buff-out
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To bring something to proper shape by removing or masking minor defects, by straightening out the residual shortcomings.

## Examples

- Use this wax to buff out the scratches on your car.
- The mechanic said he could buff out the minor marks on the bumper before I sell the vehicle.
- After the initial draft was finished, the editor spent several hours trying to buff out the inconsistencies in the narrative flow.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.