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polish off

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polish something off

to eat, consume, exhaust, or complete all of something. Who polished the cake off? Who polished off the cake?

See also: off, polish

polish off something

also polish something off

to finish something quickly and easily He polished off two burgers and a mountain of French fries. He was nearly finished with the report, and said he could polish it off in another hour or two.

Usage notes: most often used about eating something: He polished off entire pizzas.

See also: off, polish

polish off

Finish or dispose of, especially quickly and easily. For example, We polished off the pie in no time, or If everyone helps, we can polish off this job today. This usage, dating from the early 1800s, came from boxing, where it originally meant "to defeat an opponent quickly and easily." By the 1830s it was used more generally.

See also: off, polish

polish off

v.

1. To make something clean or shiny: The student polished off the apple and handed it to the teacher. I polished the vase off with a cloth and set it on the table.

2. To eliminate something, such as rust or a stain by rubbing: Please polish that spot off the doorknob. After much scrubbing, I finally polished off the stain.

3. Slang To finish or consume something enthusiastically: I polished off that last piece of cake. After we polish this pizza off, let's get dessert.

See also: off, polish