Spit and polish
noun
Extreme attention to cleanliness and order.
The soldier's uniform had the spit and polish of a well-disciplined military.
Often appears as...
- air of spit and polish
- spit and polish appearance
noun
Effort in polishing something.
He put a bit of spit and polish on his shoes before going to the party.
Often appears as...
- bit of spit and polish
- spit and polish effort
Usage tips
Colloquial
noun
Extreme attention to cleanliness and order.
The soldier's uniform had the spit and polish of a well-disciplined military.
Often appears as...
- air of spit and polish
- spit and polish appearance
noun
Effort in polishing something.
He put a bit of spit and polish on his shoes before going to the party.
Often appears as...
- bit of spit and polish
- spit and polish effort
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Military Origin
The phrase originates from military contexts where high standards of appearance are expected.
The new cadet learned quickly that spit and polish was vital to impress his superiors.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Use
Often used metaphorically to describe any effort to perfect something, not just cleaning.
Her presentation had the spit and polish of a seasoned professional.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal Spit
Originally, spit might have been used for polishing, but now it's about the effort, not saliva.
The term 'spit and polish' doesn't mean he actually used spit to clean his trumpet.
Pro Tip 1/3Military Origin
The phrase originates from military contexts where high standards of appearance are expected.
The new cadet learned quickly that spit and polish was vital to impress his superiors.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Use
Often used metaphorically to describe any effort to perfect something, not just cleaning.
Her presentation had the spit and polish of a seasoned professional.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal Spit
Originally, spit might have been used for polishing, but now it's about the effort, not saliva.
The term 'spit and polish' doesn't mean he actually used spit to clean his trumpet.
Pro Tip 1/3Military Origin
The phrase originates from military contexts where high standards of appearance are expected.
The new cadet learned quickly that spit and polish was vital to impress his superiors.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Use
Often used metaphorically to describe any effort to perfect something, not just cleaning.
Her presentation had the spit and polish of a seasoned professional.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal Spit
Originally, spit might have been used for polishing, but now it's about the effort, not saliva.
The term 'spit and polish' doesn't mean he actually used spit to clean his trumpet.
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