THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Up to speed
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Having the current information and understanding needed to follow or do something well.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- This short briefing will bring you up to speed on the project changes.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
This short briefing will bring you ________ on the project changes.
Show the answer
Up to speed — Having the current information and understanding needed to follow or do something well.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Up to speed” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Having the current information and understanding needed to follow or do something well.
Compare: This short briefing will bring you up to speed on the project changes.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this conversational expression when someone joins a project, returns after time away or learns a changed process. Explain what subject or task they need to catch up on.
More examples in context
- I need to get up to speed with the new booking system.
- After reading the meeting notes, Maya was up to speed on the decisions.
Usage note
Common patterns are get up to speed and bring someone up to speed. Use on or with to introduce the topic. This figurative meaning concerns being informed or ready, rather than moving physically faster.
A short conversation
A: I missed the planning meeting.
B: I can bring you up to speed on the changes.
A: Thanks. What do I need to know first?
One more practice question
What does a briefing that brings you up to speed do?
A. Gives you the current information you need about the work.
B. Makes you run faster across the office.
Check your answer
A. The expression refers to becoming informed and able to follow the activity.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.