Cudgel your brains

usgb
phrase

To think hard or try to remember something.

I'm cudgelling my brains but I can't remember where I put my keys.
Visual representation of "cudgel your brains" - To think hard or try to remember something.

Often appears as...

  • cudgel your brains out
  • cudgel your brains to remember

Usage tips

Idiomatic

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

Intensity of Effort

The phrase implies using significant mental effort to remember or solve something.

Illustration for Intensity of Effort
He had to cudgel his brains to solve the complex puzzle.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Idiomatic Expression

It's an idiom, so don't take 'cudgel' literally; it's about mental effort, not physical.

Illustration for Idiomatic Expression
I had to cudgel my brains to recall his name.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Slightly Informal

Mostly used in informal conversations rather than formal writing.

Illustration for Slightly Informal
Can you help me? I've been cudgelling my brains all day.
Visual representation of the word "Cudgel your brains"

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