# buff up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/buff-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is trying to buff up on his English." but "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'.

## Usage notes

- 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'.

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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.