Crack the Books - Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

In everyday English, using natural and expressive idioms can help you sound more fluent and confident just like a native speaker. Especially in the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections. One such useful idiom is the, “Crack the Books.” 

It is most commonly used to describe a person or an activity related to starting studying. This idiom works well in topics about education, college, and exam preparations.

In this blog of ours, you will find out its meaning, origin, mistakes to avoid and the practical usage of “Crack the Books” along with real IELTS exam style example sentences and exercises to help you use it accurately and naturally in your responses!

Meaning of the Idiom ‘Crack the Books’

To “crack the books” is to begin studying seriously without any distractions. It is often used when someone is starting to prepare for an exam or if they are focusing on any academic work after a small break time.

Where Did the Idiom ‘Crack the Books’ Come From?

This idiom is said to have originated in the United States of America in the early 20th century. The word “crack” in this does not mean to break, but rather to open the books with an intention of studying. It is an informal yet motivational way to talk about sitting down to pursue an academic work.

Synonyms of the Idiom ‘Crack the Books’

• Hit the books 
• Bury yourself in books
• Open the books

Antonyms of the Idiom ‘Crack the Books’

• Procrastinating
• Slacking off
• Postponing the work

A Sample Scenario to Use the Idiom ‘Crack the Books’

In the IELTS Speaking, you can make use of this idiom when describing a scenario wherein you picked your materials to prepare for an exam.

Example: “With her finals being just a week away, Shweta knew it was time to pause watching the TV series that she loved the most and crack the books if she wanted to pass her exams with flying colours.”

Examples to Understand the Usage of the 'Crack the Books' Idiom in Sentences

• He finally decided to crack the books after months of procrastinating.
• We must crack the books before this weekend as our final exams are approaching fast.
• I tend to usually crack the books right after dinner every day. 

Mistakes to Avoid While Using the Idiom ‘Crack the Books’

Using the idiom literally 

• This does not mean to break the books; but it means to start studying.

Using it in formal writing

• This is a casual and an informal idiom that is better suited to conversations or informal writing.

Using it with non-academic tasks 

• This specifically relates to studying and not to general work.

When to Use "Crack the Books" in IELTS Speaking & Writing Topics?

In these sections, you can explain in detail on how and when this idiom fits better.

For example: When you are describing your duration of when you began studying, or when you decided to pick your books to study for an important test, you can use the idiom of 'Crack the books.'

Related Expressions to the Idiom ‘Crack the Books’

• Burn the midnight oil
• Pull an all-nighter
• Do some serious revision

Also Check:

• Play It By Ear Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises  
• Cool One's Heels - Idiom Of The Day For IELTS  
• Hit And Run - Idiom Of The Day For IELTS Speaking  
• Time after Time - Idiom of the Day for IELTS  
• Any Port In A Storm – Idiom Of The Day For IELTS Speaking 
• Breathe Your Last - Idiom Of The Day For IELTS Speaking