rack one's brains
1rack one's brains — THINK HARD, concentrate, cudgel one s brains; informal scratch one s head. → rack * * * rack one s brains To use one s memory or reasoning powers to the utmost • • • Main Entry: ↑rack * * * rack (or wrack) one s brains (or brain) make a great… …
2rack one's brains — ► rack (or wrack) one s brains make a great mental effort. Main Entry: ↑rack …
3To rack one's brains — Rack Rack (r[a^]k), v. t. 1. To extend by the application of force; to stretch or strain; specifically, to stretch on the rack or wheel; to torture by an engine which strains the limbs and pulls the joints. [1913 Webster] He was racked and… …
4To rack one's brains out — Rack Rack (r[a^]k), v. t. 1. To extend by the application of force; to stretch or strain; specifically, to stretch on the rack or wheel; to torture by an engine which strains the limbs and pulls the joints. [1913 Webster] He was racked and… …
5rack one's brains — If you rack your brains, you try very hard to think of something or to remember something. Christmas is always a hassle for me. I have to rack my brains every year to find ideas for presents …
6rack one's brains — try hard to think or remember something I have been racking my brains all day trying to remember his name …
7rack one's brains — I ve racked my brain, but I still can t think of his name Syn: think hard, concentrate, try to remember; informal scratch one s head …
8rack one's brains — think really hard, try very hard to remember something …
9rack (or wrack) one's brains — make a great mental effort. → rack …
10To rack one's wits — Rack Rack (r[a^]k), v. t. 1. To extend by the application of force; to stretch or strain; specifically, to stretch on the rack or wheel; to torture by an engine which strains the limbs and pulls the joints. [1913 Webster] He was racked and… …
