Spit and polish Meaning in English
expression
释义
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.
用法与细微差别
Somewhat old-fashioned, often used humorously or in a military context. Implies high attention to surface appearance, sometimes at the cost of substance. Most common in phrases like 'all spit and polish.' Not typically used to describe people directly.
例句
The sergeant expected everything to be spit and polish before his inspection.
basic
The hotel's lobby is all spit and polish for the opening ceremony.
basic
After a bit of spit and polish, the old car looked almost new.
basic
The general's office was all spit and polish, but it felt cold and impersonal.
natural
You can't fix a bad restaurant with just spit and polish—the food matters more.
natural
His uniform was all spit and polish, every button shining.
natural