Education is full of unique expressions that add color and depth to conversations. In this post, we’ll explore 20 idioms and phrasal verbs related to education, complete with short meanings and example sentences. Whether you’re a student or a lifelong learner, these expressions will enrich your language skills.
1. Hit the books
Meaning: Study hard
Example: I need to hit the books tonight.
2. Learn the ropes
Meaning: Understand the basics
Example: It took me a month to learn the ropes.
3. Pass with flying colors
Meaning: Succeed brilliantly
Example: She passed her exams with flying colors.
4. Drop out
Meaning: Leave school early
Example: He decided to drop out of college.
5. Brush up on
Meaning: Improve skills
Example: I need to brush up on my math.
6. Cut class
Meaning: Skip a class
Example: They decided to cut class and go to the beach.
7. Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: Study late
Example: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish.
8. Ace a test
Meaning: Do very well
Example: She aced her history test.
9. Pull an all-nighter
Meaning: Study all night
Example: I pulled an all-nighter before the exam.
10. Get the hang of
Meaning: Understand how to
Example: I finally got the hang of algebra.
11. Make the grade
Meaning: Meet expectations
Example: He made the grade in all his subjects.
12. Cram for
Meaning: Study intensively
Example: I need to cram for my finals.
13. Take attendance
Meaning: Check presence
Example: The teacher took attendance every morning.
14. Be a bookworm
Meaning: Love reading
Example: She’s always been a bookworm, reading daily.
15. Goof off
Meaning: Waste time
Example: They were goofing off instead of studying.
16. Drop a subject
Meaning: Stop studying
Example: He decided to drop a subject this semester.
17. Hit the hay
Meaning: Go to sleep
Example: After studying, I hit the hay at midnight.
18. Keep up with
Meaning: Stay informed
Example: It’s hard to keep up with all the assignments.
19. Come up short
Meaning: Fail to achieve
Example: I studied hard but came up short in math.
20. Learn by heart
Meaning: Memorize
Example: I need to learn this poem by heart.
