Brush up on

usgb
phrase

To improve or refresh your knowledge or skill in a particular area.

Before the quiz, I need to brush up on my geometry.
Visual representation of "brush up on" - To improve or refresh your knowledge or skill in a particular area

Often appears as...

  • brush up on skills
  • brush up on knowledge

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "brush up on"
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Frequency Matters

Repeatedly practicing a specific topic is implied when brushing up on it.

Illustration for Frequency Matters
I'm brushing up on my Spanish verbs every evening.
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Not Starting Anew

The phrase suggests improving existing knowledge, not learning something completely new.

Illustration for Not Starting Anew
I'll brush up on my Italian before our trip, since I've spoken it before.
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Casual Tone

The phrase has a casual, informal feel and may not suit formal or academic writing.

Illustration for Casual Tone
Let's brush up on Shakespeare's plays over the weekend.
Visual representation of the word "Brush up on"

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