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gen up

C1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To find out everything you need to know about something before doing it.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

To learn all the relevant facts about a subject in preparation for dealing with it.

"You'd better gen up on the company's history before your interview tomorrow."

Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic informal

To fully brief or inform someone on a topic or situation.

"Can someone gen the new team members up on the project background before the meeting?"

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Primarily British English. Originated in RAF slang during World War II ('gen' meaning information or intelligence). Often followed by 'on': 'gen up on the latest regulations'. Still used in British informal contexts but not common in American English.

Commonly used with

facts briefing regulations topic situation background

Forms

Base
gen up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gens up
he/she/it
Past simple
gened up
yesterday
Past participle
gened up
have + pp
-ing form
gening up
continuous

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Synonyms

read up on brush up on research bone up on study up brief oneself

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