Phrasal verb
buff up on
Definition
phrasal verb. to quickly study or practice something so you can remember it or improve your skills.
phrasal verb. to refresh or improve one's knowledge of a specific subject, typically in preparation for an imminent event or evaluation.
Examples
“I need to buff up on my French before the trip.”
“She spent the weekend trying to buff up on the new software before the training session on Monday.”
“The candidate spent several weeks attempting to buff up on international trade policy to ensure a polished performance during the televised debate.”
Examples
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.”
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.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
buff + up + on + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/buff-up-on