Crack a book.
Start studying.
When people "Crack a book," they may sound like they're breaking something, but it actually refers to opening up a book and starting to study. This idiom highlights the importance of beginning to learn by suggesting the very first step is to look inside the book. It's a casual and colloquial way to talk about starting one's study session, encouraging a proactive approach to learning.
Example Sentences
I've never seen him crack a book all semester. (aɪv ˈnɛvər sin hɪm kræk ə bʊk ɔl ˈsɛmɪstər.)
I've never seen him study or read a book throughout the semester.
During finals week, you'll finally see him crack a book. (ˈdjʊrɪŋ ˈfaɪnəlz wik, jul ˈfaɪnəli si hɪm kræk ə bʊk.)
During finals week, you'll finally see him start studying.
She joked that since college, she's cracked a book open only when absolutely necessary. (ʃi ʤoʊkt ðæt sɪns ˈkɑlɪdʒ, ʃiz krækt ə bʊk ˈoʊpən ˈoʊnli wɛn ˈæbsəˌlutli ˈnɛsəˌsɛri.)
She humorously noted that she rarely reads books unless absolutely essential since her college days.
