ENGLISH
REFERENCE

buff up on

phr. v..
C1 Advanced Oxford

phr. v.. to quickly study or practice something so you can remember it or improve your skills.

phr. v.. to refresh or improve one's knowledge of a specific subject, typically in preparation for an imminent event or evaluation.


SIMPLE

I need to buff up on my French before the trip.

CONTEXTUAL

She spent the weekend trying to buff up on the new software before the training session on Monday.

COMPLEX

The candidate spent several weeks attempting to buff up on international trade policy to ensure a polished performance during the televised debate.

Particles
up on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
buff + up + on + object
Usage

Usually followed by a specific subject or skill as the object.

Teaching tip

compare with 'brush up on' (more common) or 'polish up'; the 'buff' metaphor relates to shining a surface to make it look better.

Pitfall

I buffed up my history.I buffed up on my history.the preposition 'on' is required to connect the action to the subject being studied.

© 2026 English Reference