Have a change of heart

[1139] Hit the books

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To begin studying seriously or intensely.

Origin

  • American college slang dating from the early 20th century.
  • Hit here means to energetically engage with or start something (like hit the road).
  • Books refers to textbooks or study materials. So, it means to start studying hard.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Study. (Standard term)
  • Cram. (Study intensely at the last minute)
  • Burn the midnight oil. (Study or work late into the night)
  • Bury oneself in one's books.
  • Crack a book. (Often used in the negative: He hasn't cracked a book all semester.)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Grind. (Work hard, study hard)
  • Get down to studying.
  • Knuckle down. (Start working or studying hard)
  • Swot up. (UK slang study intensely for an exam)

Milder/Standard:

  • I need to study.
  • I have to prepare for my exam.
  • I need to do some reading for class.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal. Very common among students (high school, college).
  • Less likely to be used by professionals regarding work-related reading, though not impossible.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • The word hit could be taken literally.
  • Explain it means start or engage with energetically, not physically striking the books.

Examples

  • Final exams are next week, so I need to hit the books.
  • I can't go out tonight; I have to hit the books.
  • He spent the whole weekend hitting the books.

Dialogue

Jake: Want to grab a pizza later?

Chloe: I wish! I've got that huge chemistry test tomorrow. Seriously need to hit the books.

Jake: Ah, bummer. Well, good luck! Let me know how it goes.

Chloe: Will do, thanks!

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: Spring break is over... time to hit the books again. 😭📚 #BackToSchool #StudentLife
  • Instagram story: (Picture of textbooks and coffee) Hitting the books hard tonight. Wish me luck! #StudyMode #ExamPrep
  • Facebook status: Can't make the party this weekend, gotta hit the books for finals. 😩

Response Patterns

  • Okay, good luck with your studying!
  • Yeah, me too. (If the responder also needs to study)
  • Don't work too hard!
  • What subject are you studying?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After encouragement (Good luck!):

  • The person might thank them and reiterate their need to focus. Thanks, I'll need it!

After asking about the subject (What subject?):

  • Leads to a brief discussion about the course or exam. Mostly history for the midterm.

Conversation Starter

  • No. States an intention or explains an absence due to studying.

Intonation

  • Stress on HIT and BOOKS.
  • Often said with determination or resignation.
  • I gotta HIT the BOOKS.

Generation Differences

  • Very common among younger generations (teens, 20s).
  • Older generations understand it but might be more likely to just say study.

Regional Variations

  • Primarily North American English in origin and very common there.
  • Understood in other regions but perhaps used less frequently than study.
Have a change of heart
🎲 Hit the nail on the head