Phrasal verb
polish off
Definition
phrasal verb. to finish something completely and quickly, like a large meal or a final task.
phrasal verb. To consume or complete something entirely and with speed. This transitive phrasal verb typically takes food or a specific assignment as its object.
Examples
“He managed to polish off the whole pizza by himself.”
“I just need to polish off this last email before we can head out for dinner.”
“Despite the complexity of the data, the analysts were able to polish off the final report just hours before the board meeting commenced.”
Examples
simple
“He managed to polish off the whole pizza by himself.”
contextual
“I just need to polish off this last email before we can head out for dinner.”
complex
“Despite the complexity of the data, the analysts were able to polish off the final report just hours before the board meeting commenced.”
Usage
This phrase is informal and usually describes finishing food or a piece of work.
Teaching tip
Highlight the idiomatic nature by contrasting it with the literal meaning of 'polish' (to make something shine).
Pitfall
I polished off of the sandwich.
I polished off the sandwich.
The phrasal verb is transitive and does not require the extra preposition 'of' before the object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
polish + off + 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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