Phrasal verb
brush up
Meanings
To improve or refresh a skill or knowledge by reviewing or practicing it.
Definition
To brush up means to quickly improve a skill or knowledge by practicing or reviewing it.
To brush up is used when you review something you learned before so you can do it better now. It often implies a short period of practice to refresh your memory. People commonly brush up on languages, skills, or key information before an event or task.
Examples
- I need to brush up on my Spanish before the trip.
- You should brush up on the safety steps before you start the machine.
- He brushed up on his presentation skills by practicing in front of a mirror.
- She is brushing up on her math for the placement test.
- They brushed up on their interview answers during the train ride.
Common mistake
Learners often forget to use “on” and say “brush up my English” instead of “brush up on my English.”
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.