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polish up on

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To practise something you already know a little bit so you get better at it again.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To practise or review a skill or subject in order to regain or improve proficiency.

"I need to polish up on my Spanish before the trip to Mexico."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To study or review a specific topic more carefully to bring one's knowledge up to a higher standard.

"The new recruits were told to polish up on company policy before their first client meeting."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Always takes an object (the skill or subject). Nearly synonymous with 'brush up on', which is more frequent. Common in both British and American English. Often used before a trip, exam, or professional requirement.

Commonly used with

language grammar skills French maths technique

Forms

Base
polish up on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
polishes up on
he/she/it
Past simple
polished up on
yesterday
Past participle
polished up on
have + pp
-ing form
polishing up on
continuous

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