Signification
To study diligently, especially for an exam.
Contexte culturel
In American universities, 'hitting the books' is often associated with 'Finals Week,' a period of high stress where students spend nearly 24 hours a day in the library. While 'hit the books' is common, British students also use the term 'revision' to describe studying for exams. They might say they are 'doing some heavy revision.' The culture of 'hit the books' is extremely intense in Korea, often involving private academies (hagwons) where students study until late at night. In the modern tech culture, 'hitting the books' often means taking online courses or watching coding tutorials on platforms like YouTube or Coursera.
Use it as an excuse
It's a very polite way to say 'no' to a social event because it shows you are being responsible.
Plural only
Always say 'books' with an 's'. Saying 'hit the book' sounds like you are angry at one specific book.
Signification
To study diligently, especially for an exam.
Use it as an excuse
It's a very polite way to say 'no' to a social event because it shows you are being responsible.
Plural only
Always say 'books' with an 's'. Saying 'hit the book' sounds like you are angry at one specific book.
Pair with 'hard'
To sound even more natural, say 'I really need to hit the books hard.'
Digital context
Don't worry if you don't have paper books; you can still use this phrase if you are studying on a computer.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct idiom.
I have a big presentation tomorrow, so I need to _______ the books tonight.
'Hit the books' is the fixed idiomatic expression for studying hard.
Which situation is the best time to use 'hit the books'?
Choose the correct context:
The idiom is specifically used for purposeful, intense study.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Do you want to go to the movies? B: I can't. I have to ________.
The standard form is 'hit the books' (plural with 'the').
Match the phrase to the meaning.
Match 'Hit the books' with its meaning:
This is the figurative meaning of the idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Hit vs. Cook the Books
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesI have a big presentation tomorrow, so I need to _______ the books tonight.
'Hit the books' is the fixed idiomatic expression for studying hard.
Choose the correct context:
The idiom is specifically used for purposeful, intense study.
A: Do you want to go to the movies? B: I can't. I have to ________.
The standard form is 'hit the books' (plural with 'the').
Match 'Hit the books' with its meaning:
This is the figurative meaning of the idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, 'hit the books' is only for studying or learning something for a purpose, not for reading for fun.
No, it's not rude! It shows you are working hard. However, it is informal, so use it in conversation, not in a formal essay.
Not at all. Despite the word 'hit,' it's a positive phrase about being productive.
'Studying' is the general action. 'Hitting the books' implies more intensity and focus.
Yes! 'Hit the library' means to go to the library, often to hit the books.
Sometimes, if you need to learn a new skill or research a client, but 'research' is more common in formal offices.
In English, 'hit' often means to start something with energy, like 'hit the road' or 'hit the gym.'
It is almost always 'hit the books' (plural).
Yes, but it usually implies a more significant amount of study.
Yes, it is widely understood and used in the UK, though they also say 'revise.'
It's an idiom. It's informal but very common and accepted in most daily situations.
The past tense is also 'hit the books.' Example: 'I hit the books yesterday.'
It's not common. Stick to 'the books' for the idiom to sound natural.
Yes, 'to study diligently' or 'to conduct research.'
Expressions liées
crack the books
similarTo open books to study, often for the first time.
burn the midnight oil
similarTo work or study late into the night.
pull an all-nighter
builds onTo stay awake all night studying or working.
hit the hay
contrastTo go to sleep.
study up on
specialized formTo learn specifically about one topic.
