English idiom

pick someone's brain

Register · Neutral CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

to seek ideas or guidance from someone with useful expertise

Word picture

Useful ideas are pictured as small things that can be carefully picked from another person's brain.

Example

“Could I pick your brain about choosing a graduate program?”

Dictionary details

Component words

brain

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

anyone's guess

something whose answer or outcome is completely uncertain

go with the flow

To adjust calmly to circumstances or prevailing behavior instead of resisting them.

put two and two together

to infer a conclusion by connecting the available clues

sit tight

wait where you are without acting until you receive further instructions

take it easy

to relax and avoid strain

up to speed

fully informed about a current situation or topic and ready to proceed

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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