# brush up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/brush-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

To improve your skills or knowledge in something you have not practiced for a long time. You use this when you want to remember what you once knew well.

For teachers: To improve or refresh one's proficiency in a previously acquired skill or area of knowledge. The verb can function intransitively or transitively, frequently taking the preposition 'on' before the object.

## Examples

- I need to brush up on my Spanish before my trip.
- Since she had not played the piano in years, she decided to brush up on her scales before the big audition.
- Before the international conference, the lead researcher spent several weeks brushing up on recent developments in molecular biology to ensure her presentation reflected the most current data.

## Usage notes

- You can use it with or without the preposition 'on' before the subject you are studying.
- Teaching tip: Encourage students to visualize 'brushing' the dust off an old skill to help them remember that this phrase applies to existing knowledge rather than new learning.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.