Beat your brains out

usgb
verb phrase

To try very hard to think of a solution to a problem.

I have been beating my brains out to solve this math problem.
Visual representation of "beat your brains out" - To try very hard to think of a solution to a problem.

Often appears as...

  • beating my brains out over
  • beat your brains out trying

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "beat your brains out"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphoric intensity

This phrase exaggerates effort by likening intense thinking to a violent act.

Illustration for Metaphoric intensity
She was beating her brains out to remember the answer.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Frustration implied

Often used to express frustration during challenging mental tasks.

Illustration for Frustration implied
I've been beating my brains out trying to learn calculus.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not literal

It doesn't mean physical harm; it's a figure of speech for effort.

Illustration for Not literal
They're beating their brains out to solve the puzzle.
Visual representation of the word "Beat your brains out"

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