pick your brains

USAGE SUMMARY

"pick your brains" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to ask someone for their ideas or advice on a particular topic. Example: "I’d like to pick your brains about the new marketing strategy." Alternative expressions include "tap into your knowledge" and "gather your insights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 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

These days you might find yourself besieged by a veritable army of product developers, all eager to pick your brain for ways to turn nail polish, that once staid cosmetics staple, into a must-have capable of transforming nails into miniaturized canvasses for some of the nerviest experiments that fashion permits.

The New York Times

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

I'm gonna pick your brain".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking to "pick your brains", be specific about the topic to respect the other person's time and ensure you get relevant advice.

Common error

Avoid overusing the idiom "pick your brains", especially in formal communications. Instead, vary your language by using alternative phrases such as "seek your advice" or "consult you for insights".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick your brains" functions as an idiomatic expression used to request information, advice, or insights from someone. It implies a desire to tap into the other person's knowledge or experience on a particular topic. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase can be used in various contexts, such as in asking for professional guidance or understanding a specific concept.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic expression "pick your brains" is a commonly used phrase for soliciting advice or information from someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions as a request for insights or expertise. While generally considered neutral in register, it's essential to use it judiciously, considering the context and your relationship with the other person. Opting for alternative phrases such as "seek your advice" or "consult you for insights" can add nuance and appropriateness to your communication. Primarily found in News & Media, the phrase is versatile and applicable across various situations where tapping into someone's knowledge is beneficial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Seek your advice

Directly asks for advice, removing the idiomatic component.

Draw on your knowledge

Emphasizes leveraging the person's existing knowledge base.

Consult you for insights

More formal; emphasizes obtaining insights.

Ask for your expertise

Highlights the specialized knowledge being sought.

Get your input

More informal and general; focuses on receiving feedback.

Tap into your wisdom

Implies a deeper level of understanding and experience.

Gather your insights

Emphasizes a collection of thoughts.

Request your guidance

Asks for direction, removing the idiomatic component.

Solicit your opinion

Focuses specifically on obtaining an opinion.

Benefit from your insights

Focuses on the positive outcome of gaining information.

FAQs

What does it mean to "pick someone's brains"?

To "pick someone's brains" means to ask someone for their advice and opinions about a particular subject.

Is it rude to ask to "pick someone's brains"?

It's generally not rude, but it's best to be specific about what you need and to respect the person's time. Vague requests can be burdensome.

What can I say instead of "can I pick your brains"?

You can use alternatives like "may I ask for your advice", "could I get your input", or "would you mind sharing your expertise".

How can I politely ask to "pick someone's brains"?

Be direct but respectful. For instance, you could say, "I'm working on [project], and I'd appreciate your insights on [specific aspect]. Would you be open to a brief conversation?"