swot up on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
Study really hard so you know a lot about something
Literal meaning: To swot (an old word meaning to study hard) upward on a subject — the 'up' intensifies the meaning.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To study a particular subject intensively in a short time, usually in preparation for something
"She spent the whole weekend swotting up on European history before the exam."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To quickly learn background information about something before a meeting, interview, or event
"You should swot up on the company before your job interview tomorrow."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Primarily British English. 'Swot' alone is also British slang for a person who studies excessively. Often used before exams, job interviews, or presentations. Slightly dated but still widely understood.
Commonly used with
exam interview subject topic history facts
Forms
Base
swot up on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
swots up on
he/she/it
Past simple
swoted up on
yesterday
Past participle
swoted up on
have + pp
-ing form
swoting up on
continuous
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