Crack a book Meaning in English
expression
ˈkɹæk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈbʊk
KRACK-uh-BOOK
kɹˈæk/ /æɪ/ /bˈʊk
krack-uh-BOOK
Definition
To start studying, usually used in the negative to mean not studying at all; often used in a casual or joking way.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal and mostly American English. Rarely used positively. Often appears as 'never crack a book,' meaning 'not study at all.' Not used for casual reading—only for studying, usually academic.
Spanish: abrir un libro (estudiar) - ponerse a estudiarPortuguese (BR): abrir um livro (estudar) - estudarPortuguese (PT): abrir um livro (estudar) - estudarChinese (Simplified): 翻开书学习 - 读书（学习）Chinese (Traditional): 翻開書學習 - 讀書（學習）Hindi: किताब खोलना (पढ़ाई शुरू करना)Arabic: يبدأ الدراسة (حرفيًا: يفتح كتاباً)Bengali: বই খোলা (পড়াশোনা শুরু করা)Russian: открыть книгу (начать учиться)Japanese: 本を開く（勉強を始める）Vietnamese: mở sách ra họcKorean: 책을 펴다 (공부를 시작하다)Turkish: kitap açmak (ders çalışmaya başlamak)Urdu: کتاب کھولنا (پڑھائی شروع کرنا)Indonesian: membuka buku (mulai belajar)
Example Sentences
He didn't crack a book before the exam.
basic
You won't pass unless you crack a book.
basic
I finally had to crack a book for my history project.
basic
She never cracked a book all semester and still got an A.
natural
If you crack a book now, there's still time to catch up.
natural
I got through high school without ever cracking a book.
natural