RACKING BRAINS Meaning and
Definition
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Racking brains is an idiomatic phrase that refers to the act of desperately trying to think of a solution, answer, or idea. It typically denotes a situation where someone is facing a mental challenge or puzzle and is actively applying their mental capacities, knowledge, and understanding to find a solution.
The phrase "racking brains" is often used to describe a heightened state of mental exertion, where one is actively engaged in deep thinking, problem-solving, or brainstorming. It implies a sense of frustration, as an individual may be putting forth significant effort to come up with a solution or answer but is experiencing difficulty in doing so.
The action of "racking" denotes a sense of stretching or straining one's brain to the limits, as if trying to extract elusive information or unlock a mental block. This mental exertion can manifest as furrowed brows, contemplative body language, or intense concentration.
The phrase "racking brains" can be used in various contexts, such as studying for exams, solving complex problems at work, or trying to recall certain information. It highlights the active and persistent nature of the mental struggle, as one delves deeply into their cognitive faculties, memory, and reasoning to find the desired answer.
Overall, "racking brains" encapsulates the intense mental effort and perseverance required when confronted with challenging mental tasks, emphasizing the struggle and determination involved in seeking a solution.
Common Misspellings for RACKING BRAINS
- eacking brains
- dacking brains
- facking brains
- tacking brains
- 5acking brains
- 4acking brains
- rzcking brains
- rscking brains
- rwcking brains
- rqcking brains
- raxking brains
- ravking brains
- rafking brains
- radking brains
- racjing brains
- racming brains
- racling brains
- racoing brains
- raciing brains
- rackung brains
Etymology of RACKING BRAINS
The phrase "racking brains" comes from the Middle English word "racken", meaning to stretch or strain, and "brain", referring to the organ responsible for mental processes. "Racken" evolved from the Old English word "hracian" or "hreacian", which also meant to stretch. Over time, "racking" came to imply the act of intense mental effort or concentration, specifically when trying to solve a problem or figure something out. Thus, the phrase "racking brains" emerged to describe the process of thinking deeply and putting mental strain into finding a solution or answer.
