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Region: General | Usage example: I racked my brain trying to remember the password.

Rack your brain

Meaning

Think very hard about something.

Usage

Used when someone needs to concentrate intensely.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Metaphor using a torture rack to dramatize extreme mental effort.

19th-century literature reused the imagery to highlight difficult puzzles.