English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Hit the books
Meaning
The idiom "hit the books" means to study or prepare for exams or tests intensely, often by reading textbooks or studying materials related to a particular subject. It is commonly used to describe someone who is studying hard and focused on their academic performance.
Usage
- I need to hit the books if I want to get good grades on my upcoming exam.
- He's been hitting the books all week, and he's really impressed his teachers with his dedication.
- I wish I had more time to hit the books before the test, but I have a lot of other commitments.
- We need to hit the books on our project if we want to meet our deadline.
- She's been hitting the books since she was in high school, and now she's acing her classes in college.
Roots and History
The idiom "hit the books" originated from the fact that students would often hit or bang on their textbooks to study and memorize information. The phrase became popular in the early 20th century, with the rise of standardized tests and exams. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has evolved to describe someone who is studying intensely and focusing on their academic performance. However, the idea of hitting or banging on books is still associated with the phrase and can be seen in some contexts.
Synonyms in English
- Cramming
- Studying hard
- Preparing for exams
- Reviewing materials
- Diligent studying
Synonyms in other languages
- French: "Etudier avec dévouement" (study with devotion)
- German: "Bildungssuche" (seeking education)
- Spanish: "Estudio intensivo" (intensive study)
- Italian: "Studio serio" (serious study)
- Portuguese: "Estudo concentrado" (concentrated study)