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Region: US | Usage example: I have exams next week, so tonight I'll hit the books after dinner.

Hit the books

Meaning

Start studying with focus and dedication.

Usage

Used by students or anyone returning to study after a break.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Possibly from the physical act of opening textbooks and paging through them quickly.

Appears in mid-20th-century American college slang and keeps appearing in campus advice columns.

Related Idioms

Cook the books

Falsify financial records in order to misrepresent figures.

Hit the ground running

Start with immediate energy and efficiency.

Open a can of worms

Start something that becomes complicated.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.