picking your brain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "picking your brain" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when someone wants to ask for someone's thoughts, ideas, or expertise on a particular topic. Example: "I would love to grab coffee and pick your brain about your experience in marketing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"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

"He's sharp and astute when it comes to picking your brain," says David Haye, Britain's most recent world heavyweight champion.

BBC

You probably didn't have quite as many relatives picking your brain this year for crypto investment tips.

TechCrunch

Picking your brain was uncomfortable at first because of the significant age difference between us.

Huffington Post

If he's the right guy, he'll be attracted by how smart you are, and will want to spend more time picking your brain.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Have you finished picking your brains off the floor after Ultra?

Vice

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "picking your brain", be respectful of the other person's time and expertise. Offer something in return, such as sharing your own knowledge or providing compensation for their time.

Common error

Don't constantly ask to "pick someone's brain" without offering anything in return. This can strain relationships and devalue the other person's expertise. Instead, frame your requests as opportunities for mutual learning or collaboration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picking your brain" functions as an idiomatic expression used to informally request someone's thoughts, ideas, or expertise. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It's a polite way to ask for information or advice without sounding overly formal.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "picking your brain" is a grammatically sound and usable idiomatic phrase for seeking someone's insights or expertise, as confirmed by Ludwig. While generally acceptable in informal contexts, it's crucial to be mindful of the other person's time and adjust the formality of your language accordingly. Remember to offer reciprocity and avoid overuse to maintain positive relationships. It is more frequent in News & Media and Wiki and it's a useful phrase, and it's backed by authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Seeking your expertise

Focuses on the expertise of the person being consulted.

Consulting your knowledge

Highlights the act of consulting someone due to their knowledge.

Tapping into your insights

Emphasizes gaining access to someone's perceptive understanding.

Drawing on your experience

Focuses on leveraging someone's past experiences for guidance.

Getting your perspective

Highlights the act of obtaining someone's viewpoint.

Soliciting your advice

Focuses on actively requesting guidance from someone.

Requesting your input

Highlights the act of seeking someone's contribution or feedback.

Asking for your opinion

Focuses on obtaining someone's personal views.

Discussing ideas with you

Emphasizes a collaborative exchange of thoughts.

Brainstorming with you

Highlights engaging in a group activity to generate ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "picking your brain" in a sentence?

You can use "picking your brain" when you want to informally ask someone for their insights or expertise on a particular topic. For example, "I'd love to grab coffee and "pick your brain" about your experience in marketing".

What is a less informal alternative to "picking your brain"?

If you're looking for a more formal alternative, consider phrases like "seeking your expertise", "consulting your knowledge", or "requesting your input".

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

It's generally acceptable in informal settings, but it's essential to be mindful of the other person's time and expertise. Frame your request politely and offer something in return if possible. In formal contexts, consider more professional alternatives.

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

To "pick someone's brain" means to ask someone questions to get their ideas, opinions, or knowledge about a particular subject. It implies a desire to learn from their experience or expertise.