DictionaryboneThorough study
verb

bone

To study a subject thoroughly, usually with “up.”

She bones up on local history before the trip.

Etymology

Origin uncertain. The student slang may have been influenced by Bohn's Classical Library, but that suggestion does not establish a root.

More examples

  • He boned up on the rules last night.
  • They have boned up for the examination.
  • I am boning up on the new procedures.

Forms

bone · bones · boned · boning

Similar words

study
The general verb for learning a subject.
review
Goes over material already encountered.