idiom

rack your brain

RAK yor BRAYN

ræk jɔːr breɪn

Listen

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Syllable breakdown

rackyourbrain

Dictionary meaning

to think very hard or make intense mental effort to remember something or solve a difficult problem; 'rack' derives from an old torture device that stretched the body, suggesting painful exertion

History and origin

English — from 'rack', the medieval torture instrument, first used figuratively for mental strain around the 16th century; sometimes misspelled 'wrack'

Examples

I racked my brain trying to remember where I'd put my keys.
She racked her brain for the formula during the exam.

Pronunciation tips

The correct spelling is 'rack your brain,' not 'wrack.' Both exist but 'rack' is standard.

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