Phrase guide

polish a turd

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To work on a time-consuming and ultimately pointless or impossible task; to try to perfect what is inherently bad.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, vulgar

Examples

  • Near-synonym: put lipstick on a pig

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: put lipstick on a pig

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 緣木求魚 /缘木求鱼 (yuánmùqiúyú) — work on a time-consuming and ultimately pointless task
  • Finnish: hinkata — work on a time-consuming and ultimately pointless task
  • Polish: z gówna bata nie ukręcisz — work on a time-consuming and ultimately pointless task