brush up: Idiom Meaning and Origin

Brush up is an idiomatic expression commonly used in the English language. It means to refresh or improve one's knowledge or skills in a particular subject or area. The phrase is believed to have originated in the late 1800s or early 1900s. It may have come from the practice of "brushing up" one's clothes or appearance to look more presentable or refined.

Modern usage of the phrase often refers to reviewing or revisiting rusty or less proficient knowledge or skills. People frequently use it in educational or professional settings to enhance their understanding or competence in a specific area.

The idiom "brush up" can also be used figuratively to convey the idea of improving personal qualities or behavior. This includes manners, social skills, or etiquette. It can also mean tidying up or organizing something to make it more presentable or appealing, such as "brushing up" a speech or presentation before delivering it publicly.

Furthermore, the phrase is often used in the imperative form as an exhortation to others, such as "brush up on your math skills" or "brush up on your language proficiency." It carries an underlying message of encouragement and motivation to continually learn and grow.

Another related idiom is "brush down." This expression is often used to mean calming someone down or settling a situation. It suggests the act of gentle brushing to smooth out any tensions or difficulties. For example, if there is an argument between friends, one might say, "Let's brush down and talk about it calmly."

Next, we have the idiom "step up one's game." This phrase means to improve one's performance or increase effort in order to achieve better results. It is often used in competitive or professional contexts to encourage someone to put in more effort or become more skilled. For example, a coach might tell their team, "We need to step up our game if we want to win this championship."

The final related idiom is "brush by." This expression describes when someone or something passes very close to someone or something else without stopping or making contact. It can be used literally to describe a physical action, such as when two people narrowly avoid colliding on the street. It can also be used figuratively to describe a situation where something happens quickly or briefly, without making a significant impact. For example, if a person narrowly avoids being hit by a car, they might say, "I felt the car brush by me."

The idiom "brush up" is commonly used to mean refreshing or improving one's knowledge or skills. It originated in the late 1800s or early 1900s and has evolved to encompass various contexts and applications. It can also be used figuratively to improve personal qualities or behavior, tidy up something, or convey encouragement and motivation. Additionally, the related idioms "brush down," "step up one's game," and "brush by" have their own distinct meanings and usage. Learning and using idiomatic expressions like these adds depth and richness to the English language.