Phrasal verb
buff up
Definition
phrasal verb. To improve something or make it look better by working on it. You use this when you want to polish your skills or make an object shine.
phrasal verb. To polish a surface or, figuratively, to improve the quality or appearance of something through refinement. The verb is typically transitive and can be used for physical objects, personal skills, or professional documents.
Examples
“You should buff up your shoes before the wedding.”
“He spent the afternoon in the gym trying to buff up his muscles before the summer holidays.”
“The diplomat sought to buff up his reputation by engaging in several high-profile charitable initiatives across the region.”
Examples
simple
“You should buff up your shoes before the wedding.”
contextual
“He spent the afternoon in the gym trying to buff up his muscles before the summer holidays.”
complex
“The diplomat sought to buff up his reputation by engaging in several high-profile charitable initiatives across the region.”
Usage
Frequently used in the context of physical fitness or improving professional documents like a CV.
Teaching tip
Note the physical origin of polishing metal or leather to help students remember the figurative meaning of making a skill 'shine'.
Pitfall
He is trying to buff up on his English.
He is trying to brush up on his English.
Buff up is usually transitive and does not take the preposition 'on', which is required for the similar phrase 'brush up on'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
buff + up + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/buff-up