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rub up on

C1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

to practice or study something again so you remember it better

Literal meaning: to rub something onto something else

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic neutral

to refresh or improve your knowledge of a subject or skill

"I need to rub up on my German before the trip to Berlin."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Less common than 'brush up on', which most learners will hear more often. Often used in British English.

Commonly used with

French Spanish history maths grammar interview skills

Forms

Base
rub up on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rubs up on
he/she/it
Past simple
rubed up on
yesterday
Past participle
rubed up on
have + pp
-ing form
rubing up on
continuous

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Synonyms

brush up on revise review refresh your knowledge of study again read up on

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