shine up
The phrase "shine up" can refer to both making something physically shiny and attempting to gain favor through flattery.
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Definition
B2Physical Maintenance
(informal)To polish or make something glossy and bright.
Example
- She decided to shine up her old shoes before the interview.
- He spent the afternoon shining up his car for the show.
C1Social Interaction
(informal, idiomatic)To try to impress or gain favor with someone, often through flattery or excessive attention.
Example
- He's always trying to shine up to the boss to get a promotion.
- She shined up to the new teacher to make a good impression.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "shine up":
shine onshine throughsparkle upbrighten uppolish uplight upglaze upbright shiny objectglow uplit uptouch upshape upsharpen upsex upplay uprub upshow outpimp up