# polish off

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/polish-off
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to finish something completely and quickly, like a large meal or a final task.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I polished off of the sandwich." but "I polished off the sandwich." — The phrasal verb is transitive and does not require the extra preposition 'of' before the object.

## Usage notes

- 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).

---

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.