1 B2 idiomatic informal
To study something intensively in preparation for an exam, interview, or event.
"I need to mug up on the French Revolution before tomorrow's history test."
separable
mug up
B2 informal separable transitive
To study a subject intensively, especially in preparation for a test or for a specific need.
In plain English
To quickly study or learn a lot of information, usually before a test or an event.
What does "mug up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
(Indian English) To learn something by rote memorisation without necessarily understanding it.
"He mugged up the entire periodic table the night before the exam."
separable
Usage tip
British and Indian English. Particularly common in India where 'mugging up' often refers to rote memorisation. In the UK it means intensive revision. Not well known in American English.
Words that pair with "mug up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
facts notes subject dates vocabulary history
How to conjugate "mug up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
mug up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
mugs up
he/she/it
Past simple
muged up
yesterday
Past participle
muged up
have + pp
-ing form
muging up
continuous
Hear "mug up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "mug up"
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bone up on cram hit the books revise study swot up
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