Example: Il faut se creuser la cervelle pour résoudre ce problème complexe.
Definition
"Se creuser la cervelle" is a French expression meaning to think very hard or to strain one's mind in order to solve a difficult problem or understand something complex. It implies putting in considerable mental effort to find a solution or grasp an idea.
Translations
To rack one's brains
Estrujarse el cerebro
Je hersens pijnigen
Escalfar-se el cap
Sich das Hirn zermartern
Etymology
The expression "Se creuser la cervelle" literally means 'to dig into one's brain.' It comes from the metaphorical idea of digging deeply into one's own mind to extract thoughts or solutions, as if the brain were something to be physically excavated. This vivid image emphasizes intense mental effort.
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"Se creuser la cervelle" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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To rack one's brains