Pick someone's brains: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Pick someone's brains” mean?

"Pick someone's brains" means to ask someone for advice or information, especially by seeking their expertise or knowledge.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I need to pick someone's brains about this coding problem.

Example

Can I pick your brains about the best places to visit in the city?

Example

She's the expert in this field, I should pick her brains for some insights

Is “Pick someone's brains” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Pick someone's brains” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Pick someone's brains” effectively in context?

You can use "Pick someone's brains" when you want to ask someone for advice or information, especially by seeking their expertise or knowledge. It implies that you want to tap into their intelligence and experience. For example, if you're struggling with a coding problem, you might say, 'I need to pick someone's brains about this coding problem.'

• 1. Work

  Can I pick your brains about the best places to visit in the city?

• 2. Networking

  She's the expert in this field, I should pick her brains for some insights.

• 3. Learning

  I'm new to this subject, so I'm going to pick his brains for some guidance.

Similar phrases to “Pick someone's brains”:

Get someone's input

To seek someone's opinion or advice

Example

I'd like to get your input on this matter.

Tap into someone's knowledge

To access or make use of someone's expertise or information

Example

I want to tap into her knowledge of marketing strategies.

Seek someone's advice

To ask someone for guidance or suggestions

Example

I need to seek his advice on how to handle this situation.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Pick someone's brains” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Pick someone's brains" is unknown.

Is “Pick someone's brains” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Pick someone's brains" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their desire to seek advice or information from someone who has expertise or knowledge in a particular area.

What tone does “Pick someone's brains” have?

"Pick someone's brains" conveys a tone of curiosity and eagerness to learn. It's often used in a respectful and polite manner to show appreciation for someone's expertise.

Can “Pick someone's brains” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "pick someone's brains" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of seeking advice or information. You can use it in casual conversations with friends, colleagues, or mentors, as well as in more formal situations such as interviews, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I need to pick someone's brains about this project.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I need to "pick your brains"!' to imply the desire for advice or information.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• ask for someone's expertise
• consult someone's wisdom
• extract information from someone
• gather insights from someone
• learn from someone's experience

Antonyms

• figure it out on your own
• rely solely on your own knowledge
• go it alone
• make your own decisions
• solve it independently