PhrasesHub

Bone up on

    Definitions

      • study or review a subject
        To study or review a subject in order to improve one's understanding or knowledge of it, usually in a short period of time.

      • improve one's skills
        To dedicate time and effort to improving one's skills or abilities in a particular area or task.

      • cram for a test or exam
        To study intensely and in a short period of time in preparation for a test or exam, often as a last-minute effort.

    Examples of Bone up on

    • Last night, my daughter asked me to bone up on her math homework because she was struggling with solving equations. This meant that I needed to review the concepts she was having difficulty with and study them thoroughly in order to help her better understand the material.

      "Bone up on" is used here to mean that I need to study or review something thoroughly in order to improve my understanding or knowledge of it. It's often used when preparing for an exam or trying to learn a new concept for the first time. ANOTHER

    • As a new manager, I have been tasked with bone-ing up on all aspects of the company's operations. This means that I need to become familiar with how the various departments function and what their responsibilities are.

      "Bone up on" can also be used to indicate a need to familiarize oneself with something in order to better understand it or prepare for a specific task. It's often used in a professional or academic context.

    • My friend suggested that I bone up on some new cooking techniques before hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year.

      "Bone up on" can be used in more casual situations as well, such as when learning new skills or hobbies. In this example, "bone up on" is used to mean learning new cooking techniques in order to prepare for hosting a dinner.

    • The CEO urged everyone in the company to bone up on their cybersecurity protocols in light of the recent data breaches in the industry.

      "Bone up on" can also be used in a more general sense to mean improving one's overall knowledge or understanding of a topic or industry. In this example, "bone up on" is used to indicate the need to review and refresh cybersecurity protocols in response to recent industry developments.

    • John decided to bone up on his foreign language skills before embarking on a trip to Europe.

      In this example, 'bone up on' is being used to suggest that John is going to deepen his knowledge or prepare himself for something. In this particular instance, John is trying to improve his foreign language skills.

    • After losing her job, Emma decided to bone up on her computer skills in order to make herself more employable.

      Similar to the above example, in this example, 'bone up on' is being used to suggest that someone wants to gain or further develop a skill or knowledge base. In this instance, Emma is trying to improve her computer skills so that she becomes a more attractive candidate for potential employers.

    • After hearing about the upcoming IT certification classes, Sarah decided to bone up on the skills required to earn her certification.

      This example follows a similar pattern to the others. In this instance, Sarah is trying to prepare herself for a specific achievement or certification.

    • Adam realized that he knew very little about the history of art, so he decided to bone up on the subject before taking an art history class.

      Again, in this example, 'bone up on' is being used to suggest that someone wants to gain or further develop knowledge or skills in a specific area. In this instance, Adam wants to improve his knowledge of art history before starting a class on the topic.In each of these examples, 'bone up on' is being used to suggest that the subject is trying to deepen their knowledge or skill base in a specific area. It can be a useful phrase to use when someone is trying to improve themselves or prepare themselves for a specific achievement or task.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "bone up on" is typically used to describe the act of studying or reviewing a subject in order to improve one's understanding or knowledge of it. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as reading books, attending classes, or practicing with study materials. The intention is to increase one's knowledge and understanding, usually within a short period of time.

    Another common usage of this idiom is to describe the act of improving one's skills or abilities in a particular area or task. This can involve dedicated practice, seeking out resources or guidance, and actively working on developing one's skills. It is often used in a positive context, suggesting a proactive and determined attitude towards self-improvement.

    In some cases, "bone up on" can also refer to studying intensively for a test or exam, often as a last-minute effort. This usage may carry a sense of urgency or pressure, as the individual may feel the need to quickly improve their understanding in order to perform well on the exam.

    Origin of "Bone up on"

    The origin of the idiom "bone up on" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century. It is thought to have originated from the phrase "to bone up," which was used to describe the act of studying intensely and often referred to the use of mnemonic devices to aid in memorization.

    The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is thought to have originated from the practice of using animal bones as tools for sharpening knives or for making tools. This led to the phrase "to bone up" being used to describe the act of sharpening or improving something, which eventually evolved into its current meaning of studying or improving one's skills.

    Today, "bone up on" is a commonly used idiom in the English language, often used to describe the act of studying or improving one's knowledge or skills in a particular area. Its origins may be rooted in the use of bones as tools, but its meaning and usage have evolved over time to become a commonly used expression.