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brush up on

to review and improve a skill

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (phrasal verb) to practice and improve your skills or knowledge of something you learned before but have forgotten some of

Examples

• I need to brush up on my French before the trip next month.

How to use brush up on

This phrasal verb is used when you want to improve or refresh knowledge or skills that you once had but have become rusty. It emphasizes the idea of regaining competence rather than learning something entirely new. It is commonly used in educational, professional, and personal development contexts, typically with a tone that is practical and matter-of-fact.

Common phrases

• brush up on your English
• brush up on your skills
• brush up on the basics
• brush up on your French
• brush up before the exam

Synonyms

review · refresh · bone up on · relearn · revisit

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'brush up on' when they mean 'learn for the first time' rather than 'refresh previous knowledge'; the phrase specifically implies prior familiarity with the subject.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

wrap up, zero in on, back out, chip in, come around, cut out

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained