crack the code

1. To decipher some coded message or information. The secret agent was able to crack the code used by the evil megalomaniac. The mysterious set of hieroglyphics has long been a puzzle to archaeologists, but one researcher claims to have cracked the code. Mom, if your password is "1234," it won't be long before someone cracks the code and hacks into your account.

2. To discover a solution to a particularly difficult or complicated problem. The media company seems to have cracked the code of what consumers want from a streaming service. Problematic students can be especially frustrating for teachers, but if you devote additional time and effort, you should be able to crack the code. A: "Please tell me you've cracked the code on this bizarre issue." B: "Nope, still have no idea why the experiment is producing those results."

crack the code, to

To solve a difficult problem or mystery. The term is derived from deciphering coded intelligence during wartime and became current during World War II, when cryptography, used by armies at least since Napoleon’s day, reached new heights of sophistication. After the war it began to be transferred to other areas, such as solving a difficult scientific problem (cracking the genetic code, for example). See also tough nut to crack.