How to Pronounce "spit and polish"
expression
SPIT and PAH-lish or POH-lish
SPIT and POL-ish
Definition
Careful cleaning and attention to appearance, often to make something look extremely neat, tidy, or shiny. Can also refer to strict discipline or military-like attention to detail.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈspɪt/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈpɑɫɪʃ/, /ˈpoʊɫɪʃ
British English
spˈɪt/ /ˈænd/ /ˈpɒlɪʃ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
SPIT and PAH-lish or POH-lish
UK
SPIT and POL-ish
Listen in Context
The sergeant expected everything to be spit and polish before his inspection.
The hotel's lobby is all spit and polish for the opening ceremony.
After a bit of spit and polish, the old car looked almost new.
The general's office was all spit and polish, but it felt cold and impersonal.