hit the books
/hɪt ðə bʊks/
Meaning
An idiomatic expression meaning to study hard or begin studying with determination. It is very common among high school and university students, especially right before exams or midterms.
Examples
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I can't go to the party tonight because I really need to hit the books.
I can't go to the party tonight because I really need to hit the books.
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With final exams starting next week, everyone in the library is hitting the books.
With final exams starting next week, everyone in the library is hitting the books.
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If you want to pass this difficult chemistry class, you'd better hit the books.
If you want to pass this difficult chemistry class, you'd better hit the books.
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After a relaxing weekend, it was time to hit the books again on Monday morning.
After a relaxing weekend, it was time to hit the books again on Monday morning.
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She hit the books all weekend and managed to get an A on her history test.
She hit the books all weekend and managed to get an A on her history test.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I need to hit books tonight.
✓ I need to hit the books tonight.
This is a fixed idiom. You must include the definite article 'the'. Saying 'hit books' sounds unnatural.
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✗ He was hitting the books to find a lost page.
✓ He was searching the books to find a lost page.
'Hit the books' means to study hard in general. It cannot be used literally to mean looking for something physically inside a book.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I have a huge exam tomorrow, so I need to ______ ______ ______ tonight.
💡 Start studying hard (idiom).
Show answer
hit the books
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No more video games—it is time to ______ ______ ______.
💡 Begin studying intensely.
Show answer
hit the books