brush up on
Short definition: The phrase brush up on means to review or practice a skill or topic you already know in order to improve it, refresh your memory, or regain confidence, especially before an exam, task, or important situation.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrase brush up on? This phrase is very common in everyday English, especially when talking about learning and preparation. To brush up on means reviewing or practicing something you already know so you can do it better. You will hear it in conversations about exams, work skills, and personal improvement. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with long definitions and realistic examples.
Forms: brush up on, brushes up on, brushed up on, brushing up on
Related: review v., practice v., refresh v.
Syllable: brush up on
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(Verb Phrase) To review or practice a skill or subject you already know in order to improve it.
To brush up on something means going back over knowledge or skills you learned before so they feel fresh again. This often happens when you have not used a skill for a long time or want to perform better. It does not mean learning from zero, but improving what is already there. The phrase is commonly used with languages, skills, and general knowledge.
She decided to brush up on her French before traveling to Paris.He needs to brush up on his presentation skills before the conference.I spent the weekend brushing up on basic math for the exam.Synonyms: review, refresh your knowledge, practice again, revise, sharpen skills, improve basics, go over again, refresh memory, strengthen understanding, rehearse, polish skills, update knowledge
Antonyms: forget, neglect practice, ignore learning, let skills fade, stop reviewing, abandon study, lose touch with, avoid practice, overlook basics, fall behind, skip revision, give up learning -
(Verb Phrase) To prepare yourself by revisiting information before an important event or task.
Brush up on can also emphasize preparation rather than long-term improvement. People use it before interviews, tests, meetings, or new responsibilities. The focus is on confidence and readiness. It suggests short-term review with a clear goal in mind.
He brushed up on company policies before starting his new role.She brushed up on safety rules before the training session.They brushed up on old notes before the final discussion.Synonyms: prepare by reviewing, study again briefly, revise quickly, get ready, refresh details, go over notes, review essentials, prepare yourself, recheck knowledge, rehearse information, refresh understanding, get up to speed
Antonyms: go in unprepared, skip preparation, ignore review, avoid studying, show up cold, neglect readiness, fail to prepare, overlook details, wing it, be unready, rely on memory alone, take no action
