mug up

verb

1. slang.
   adverb to study (a subject) hard, esp for an exam

Word History and Origins

Origin of mug up¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

But Mr Shapps is used to mugging up on new briefs.

From BBC

Just imagine the mugging up he has to do.

From BBC

Having picked the mug up, the suit wearer finds that setting the mug down gently on a nearby table is also a bit of a challenge.

From The New Yorker

I asked, holding the mug up to my mouth and blowing on the hot coffee.

From Literature

Deciding he had to do something about it, he mugged up on chemistry.

From BBC