pick (one's) brain(s)
To ask one questions in order to obtain detailed information or advice. You should pick John's brain sometime. He knows all about car engines. I've just started playing professionally, and I'd love to pick your brains for any tips you might have.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
pick someone's brain(s)
Fig. to talk with someone to find out information about something. I spent the afternoon with Donna, picking her brain for ideas to use in our celebration. Do you mind if I pick your brains? I need some fresh ideas.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
pick someone's brain
Obtain ideas or information from another person, as in I'm out of ideas for decorating-let me pick your brain. This term alludes to picking clean a carcass. [Mid-1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
pick someone's brain, to
To gather information or ideas from someone who is presumably more expert or more imaginative. This analogy to picking clean a bone or carcass dates from the mid-nineteenth century. “Do you possess the art of picking other people’s brains,” wrote clergyman Benjamin Jowett (1817–93). For picking one’s own brain, see cudgel one’s brains.
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer