pick your brain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pick your brain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to ask someone for advice or information that they have, especially if that person is experienced or knowledgeable about a particular topic. For example, you might say, "I was hoping I could pick your brain about starting a small business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I'm always amused by who's willing to pick your brain.

The New York Times

She doesn't have that 'I want to pick your brain' thing.

The New Yorker

He loves to ask questions, pick your brain a little bit on stuff.

The New York Times - Sports

"If I could just pick your brain: What do you think of the candy-bar style?" Mermelstein asked.

The New Yorker

Friends and acquaintances asking "Can I just pick your brain?" - you don't want to offend and risk the relationship, but you don't want to be taken advantage of.

The Guardian

I can tell you that it doesn't work to go up to someone and say, "Will you be my mentor?" That's the workplace equivalent of "Will you be my boyfriend?" A more organic approach — saying something like, "Can I pick your brain about some ways to transition out of my entry-level position in the next year?" — has been much more effective for me.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He just wants to pick your brains.

The New Yorker

"It's absurd, because you can't say 'I don't trust you to play in the side, but can I pick your brains for the one-day game'," said Vaughan.

BBC

Randoms send drunken spats of nothingness to you late at night, leftie types pick your brains on the mechanics of a certain verse in whatever tune, your replies can initiate a torrid response sometimes.

Vice

"He's constantly picking your brain, asking about different pitchers, where to position hitters, how to approach coming off the bench as opposed to starting," McEwing said.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Barbour tells Mr. Moore that a top party official "particularly appreciated picking your brain on the Mexican peso deal" and "literally passed on what he heard that day to [Senate majority leader Bob ] Doleand [House Speaker Newt ] Gingrich.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking to “pick your brain”, be specific about the topic you want to discuss to respect the other person's time and expertise.

Common error

Avoid phrasing requests to “pick your brain” in a way that implies a free, open-ended consultation, especially with professionals. Be mindful of their time and consider offering compensation or a clear exchange of value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “pick your brain” functions as an idiomatic expression used as a request for someone's expertise, knowledge, or insights on a particular subject. It's a way to ask for advice or information, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “pick your brain” is a common idiom used to request someone's expertise or insights on a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While widely used in news, media, and informal contexts, it’s crucial to use it thoughtfully, being mindful of the other person's time and expertise. Consider offering compensation or framing the request respectfully to avoid implying an unpaid consultation. Alternatives like “seek your advice” or “get your input” can offer a more formal or direct approach, depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pick your brains

Plural form, implies multiple questions or areas of discussion.

get your input

Focuses on receiving specific contributions or perspectives.

get your insights

Focuses on gaining deeper understandings or perspectives.

seek your advice

More formal and direct; focuses on the act of seeking advice.

ask for your opinion

A straightforward request for someone's view or assessment.

tap into your knowledge

Emphasizes accessing a reservoir of knowledge.

consult with you

Implies a more formal or professional consultation.

draw on your experience

Highlights the value of past experiences.

solicit your expertise

Highlights the expertise being sought, more formal.

have a word with you

A less direct way of initiating a conversation for advice.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to share their expertise?

Instead of directly saying "Can I "pick your brain"?", try a more considerate approach like, "I admire your work in [specific area], and I'd appreciate the opportunity to learn from your experience. Would you be open to a brief chat sometime?"

What are some alternatives to “pick your brain” that don't sound demanding?

You can use alternatives like "Could I "get your input" on this?", "I'd value your perspective on [topic]", or "Would you be willing to share your insights on [issue]?"

Is it appropriate to use “pick your brain” in a formal email?

While “"pick your brain"” is commonly used, it can sound informal. In a formal email, opt for phrases such as "I would appreciate your guidance on…" or "I am seeking your expertise regarding…"

How can I show respect for someone’s time when asking to “pick their brain”?

Be clear about the specific topic you want to discuss, propose a limited timeframe (e.g., a 30-minute call), and offer to accommodate their schedule. You might say, "I have a few questions about [topic] and would be grateful for 30 minutes of your time. Would [date/time] work for you?"