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spit and polish

noun

Definition of spit and polish

  1. :  extreme attention to cleanliness, orderliness, smartness of appearance, and ceremony often at the expense of operational efficiency

spit–and–polish

adjective

See spit and polish defined for English-language learners

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Examples of spit and polish in a Sentence

  1. All the car needs is some spit and polish.

Origin and Etymology of spit and polish

from the practice of polishing objects such as shoes by spitting on them and then rubbing them with a cloth


First Known Use: 1895

SPIT AND POLISH Defined for English Language Learners

spit and polish

noun

Definition of spit and polish for English Language Learners

  • : careful attention to making something clean and polished

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Examples: spit and polish in a Sentence