reinvent the wheel »
To redo work unnecessarily when it has already been done satisfactorily; to rethink an already working system, technique, etc. in a pointless attempt to improve it.
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rest on one's laurels »
To rely on a past success instead of trying to improve oneself further.
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second-guess »
Presumably from trying to improve with a second stab.
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sex up »
To make more palatable or acceptable to the general public; to improve the image or perception.
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shape up »
To improve; to correct one's bad habits or behavior.
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shape up or ship out »
To either improve one's behavior or else be required to leave; to either improve one's performance in an activity or else withdraw from that activity completely.
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snazz up »
To improve appearance or appeal by increasing stylishness or functionality, or by adding other attractive features.
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spruce up »
To refresh, revamp; to freshen or improve something, especially its appearance.
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that's the way life is »
That is the way things happenCertain things cannot be changed, helped or improved; struggle and objection are pointless.1935, Louis Bromfield, The Man Who Had Everything [1], page 279:That's the way life is, and there's no use trying to go against it.1979, Jay Edward Abrams, A Theology of Christian Counseling: More Than Redemption [2], ISBN 0310511011, page 45:There are no standards, no values; that's the way life is. Learn to accept it and slide with it. Stop fighting it.2002, B. Eugene Ellison, Rings of the Templars, ISBN 059524050X, page 337:Shit happens; that's the way life is. In fact, I want you to take an additional thousand for your efforts.
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tough love »
The compassionate use of stringent disciplinary measures, to attempt to improve someone's behavior.
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tune up »
To make adjustments to an engine in order to improve its performance.
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turn over a new leaf »
To engage in self-improvement; to begin a good habit or shed a bad habit.
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work over »
To improve a prototype, or first draft.
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you can't polish a turd »
(vulgar) Something inherently bad cannot be improved.
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