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."
inseparable
polish up on
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To improve a skill or area of knowledge that has grown rusty or needs refinement.
In plain English
To practise something you already know a little bit so you get better at it again.
What does "polish up on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "polish up on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
language grammar skills French maths technique
How to conjugate "polish up on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "polish up on" in the wild
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