spit and polish
noun
: extreme attention to cleanliness, orderliness, smartness of appearance, and ceremony often at the expense of operational efficiency
spit-and-polish
ˈspit-ən(d)-ˈpä-lish 
adjective 
Example Sentences
All the car needs is some spit and polish.
Recent Examples on the Web Four years ago, Manchester native Unger and her family purchased Tuck Shop from DJ Fernandes, lending the popular Coronado joint a little European spit and polish, but largely leaving its homey, comfort food vibe intact. 
Dominic Armato, azcentral, 17 Jan. 2020 For the 2018 model year, the Range Rover Sport takes what Land Rover does well and puts another level of spit and polish on it. Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, 12 July 2018
Dominic Armato, azcentral, 17 Jan. 2020 For the 2018 model year, the Range Rover Sport takes what Land Rover does well and puts another level of spit and polish on it. Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, 12 July 2018 Word History
Etymology
from the practice of polishing objects such as shoes by spitting on them and then rubbing them with a cloth
First Known Use
1895, in the meaning defined above