mug up
verb
(adverb) British slang to study (a subject) hard, esp for an exam
Word Origin for mug up
C19: of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Examples from the Web for mug up
Historical Examples of mug up
You always do mug-up the business when you try to do more than I tell you.
On the TrackHenry Lawson
Mug-up, to paint ones face, or dress specially with a view to impersonation.
The Slang DictionaryJohn Camden Hotten
Most of the men lighted a pipe, and one or two took a 'mug-up' from the coffee-kettle.
The Boy With the U. S. FisheriesFrancis Rolt-Wheeler