hit the books
To begin studying with a lot of effort and focus, especially when preparing for an exam or a test. It implies a serious and dedicated study session rather than just casual reading.
Examples
3 of 5I have a huge chemistry test tomorrow, so I really need to hit the books tonight.
I need to start studying very hard tonight for my upcoming chemistry exam.
If the students wish to pass the bar exam, they must hit the books for several months.
The students must dedicate themselves to intense study for several months to pass the professional exam.
Sorry, I can't go to the party; I've gotta hit the books or I'll fail this course.
I cannot attend because I must stay home and study intensely to avoid failing.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Imagine your hand 'hitting' the cover of a thick textbook to open it and start working hard for your future.
Quick Quiz
Finals are next week, so I'm going to ______ the books starting this afternoon.
Correct!
The correct answer is: hit
Examples
I have a huge chemistry test tomorrow, so I really need to hit the books tonight.
everydayI need to start studying very hard tonight for my upcoming chemistry exam.
If the students wish to pass the bar exam, they must hit the books for several months.
formalThe students must dedicate themselves to intense study for several months to pass the professional exam.
Sorry, I can't go to the party; I've gotta hit the books or I'll fail this course.
informalI cannot attend because I must stay home and study intensely to avoid failing.
Academic success is often the result of knowing exactly when to stop socializing and hit the books.
academicSucceeding in university requires discipline to prioritize intensive study over social activities.
Even though he is working full-time, he still finds time to hit the books for his MBA every evening.
businessDespite his full-time job, he allocates time every night for dedicated professional study.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
crack a book
To open a book to start studying (often used in the negative).
hit the sack
To go to bed (often used after a long study session).
hit the road
To leave or begin a journey.
Often Confused With
'Hit the books' means to study, while 'hit the sack' means to go to sleep.
'Reading a book' is a general activity, while 'hitting the books' implies urgent and intense study.
Usage Notes
This idiom is most common in American English and is predominantly used by students. It is informal but perfectly acceptable in spoken English and casual writing.
Common Mistakes
Don't use the singular form 'hit the book'. Learners also sometimes take this literally, but it has nothing to do with physical hitting.
Memory Tip
Imagine your hand 'hitting' the cover of a thick textbook to open it and start working hard for your future.
Word Origin
Originates from 20th-century American slang, where the verb 'hit' began to be used to mean 'to start' or 'to go to' an activity.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Very common in North American high school and college culture where 'grinding' for exams is a shared experience.
Quick Quiz
Finals are next week, so I'm going to ______ the books starting this afternoon.
Correct!
The correct answer is: hit
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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scholarshipA financial award granted to a student by an organization or...
libraryA library is a place where books, newspapers, and other mate...
examinationA detailed inspection or investigation of something to deter...
textbookA textbook is a book that contains standard information abou...
More education words
exam
A2An exam is a formal test used to evaluate a person's knowledge, skills, or physical health. It is typically conducted at the end of a course of study or as a requirement for a professional qualification.
prerequisite
C1A prerequisite is a requirement that must be fulfilled before a specific course can be taken or a particular task can be performed. It refers to a necessary condition that must be met in advance for something else to happen or exist.
student
A1A student is a person who attends an educational institution such as a school, college, or university to acquire knowledge. This term can also describe anyone who is dedicated to learning a particular subject or skill independently.
library
A1A library is a place where books, newspapers, and other materials are kept for people to read, study, or borrow. It can be a large public building, a room in a school, or a collection in a private home.
teacher
A1A person whose job is to provide education for students, usually in a school or college. They prepare lessons, explain concepts, and help students develop specific skills.
homework
A1Homework refers to tasks or assignments given to students by their teachers to be completed outside of regular school hours. It is designed to reinforce the concepts learned in class and encourage independent study habits.
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