The phrase "crack the books" generally means to start studying or hit the books with seriousness or dedication. The antonyms of "crack the books" can be terms that imply laziness, procrastination, or lack of focus. These may include phrases such as "avoiding studying," "shirk responsibilities," "slacking off," "wasting time," "idling away," or "neglecting education." It is essential to prioritize and make time for studying, especially when it comes to learning new skills or acquiring knowledge. So, instead of avoiding, procrastinating or slacking off, it's better to "dive into the books," "embrace learning," and "devote oneself to education.