bone up
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To study something hard before a test or event, especially when you need to learn a lot quickly.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To study a subject intensively, usually in preparation for an exam, interview, or important event.
"I need to bone up on my Spanish before the trip to Mexico next month."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To refresh or update one's knowledge of a topic that one has not studied recently.
"The lawyer spent the weekend boning up on the relevant case law before the trial."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Chiefly American informal. Usually followed by 'on' (e.g. 'bone up on your French'). Implies deliberate, intensive study before a specific event. Very common in casual speech and informal writing.
Commonly used with
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Forms
Base
bone up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bones up
he/she/it
Past simple
boned up
yesterday
Past participle
boned up
have + pp
-ing form
boning up
continuous
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Synonyms
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