buff out

Remove by rubbing

Buff out means to remove imperfections by polishing or rubbing.

You buff out scratches in car paint, scuffs on shoes, or marks on wood: The detailer buffed out the door dings.

Figuratively, it extends to smoothing over problems or rough spots: We'll buff out the details later.

The phrase implies minor flaws that can be fixed with effort rather than replacement.

polish

shine

Emit or reflect light

  • waxPliable waterproof substance
  • lusterSoft reflected light
  • sheenSoft surface luster

gleam · burnish · gloss · detail · finish · sparkle · radiance · satin · brighten · refine

smooth

sanding

Friction-smoothing a surface

  • abrasiveRough enough to erode
  • gritDetermination or abrasive particles
  • pumiceLightweight volcanic abrasive

emery · scour · compound · wet sand · feather · blend · level · resurface · refinish · prep

remove

scratch

Superficial wound or mark

  • dentShallow surface depression
  • scuffSurface scrape or scratch
  • blemishVisible flaw or mark

imperfection · ding · nick · mar · defect · flaw · scrape · abrasion · mark · gouge

Categories
Opposites
surface condition

buff outscratch

Superficial wound or mark

scuff · mar · gouge · scrape · nick

removal vs. addition

buff outfill in

Temporarily replace someone

patch · spackle · fill · cover up · touch up

physical transformation

buff outwaste away

Decline through neglect

atrophy · wither · let oneself go · shrivel · weaken

Family

buff, out, buffs, buffed, buffing, buffer, buffers, buffered, buffering

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G