The common phrase "picks brains" is spelled using the IPA transcription /pɪks breɪnz/. The "p" and "k" sounds are pronounced separately, followed by a short "i" sound in "icks." The word "brains" begins with a voiced "b" sound, followed by a long "a" sound in "bre," and ending with a voiced "n" sound. The phrase is often used to describe a process in which someone seeks to gain knowledge or advice from another person through conversation or questioning.
The phrase "picks brains" commonly refers to the act of seeking information, knowledge, or advice from someone who is knowledgeable or experienced in a particular field. It often involves asking probing questions or engaging in a deep conversation to gain insights or learn from the other person's expertise.
When someone "picks brains," they are attempting to tap into the wealth of knowledge and experience possessed by another individual. This can be done with the intention of acquiring new ideas, solving problems, or better understanding a subject matter. The person doing the picking may be seeking expertise in various areas such as technology, business, art, science, or any specialized area where knowledge or advice is sought.
The expression "picks brains" suggests an active effort to extract valuable insights or information from someone else's thoughts or opinions. It implies a desire to learn from the expertise of others and extract useful knowledge to be applied to one's own situation or challenges.
The act of picking someone's brains often entails asking thought-provoking questions, engaging in meaningful conversations, and attentively listening to the insights and experiences shared. It is a collaborative process that fosters knowledge exchange, encourages learning, and promotes intellectual growth.
Overall, when someone "picks brains," they are engaging in a deliberate effort to gain wisdom, expertise, or guidance from someone who has specialized knowledge or experience in a particular field.
The phrase "picks brains" is an idiomatic expression that means to gather information or ideas from someone by asking them questions or seeking their advice. The etymology of this phrase can be understood by examining the individual meanings of the words involved.
1. Picks: The verb "picks" comes from the Old English word "picgian", which means to prick or to pierce. Over time, this word evolved and gained a variety of meanings, including to choose, select, or gather.
2. Brains: The noun "brains" refers to the organ in the head that controls thinking and intelligence. It is derived from the Old English word "brægen" or the West Germanic word "bragnam".
Combining these words, the phrase "picks brains" can be interpreted as metaphorically pricking or piercing someone's brain to gather ideas or knowledge from them.