In this lesson you will learn how to properly use the English Idiom “Rack your brain”.

TRANSCRIPT

Rack your brain

Welcome to Day 1 of the Special Edition of Speak English with Tiffani. I am Teacher Tiffani and in this episode I will teach you exactly how to use the English body idiom “Rack your brain”.

Are you ready? Well then, let’s jump right in.

Definition

The idiom “Rack your brain” can be defined in three different ways.

• The first definition of this idiom is “To make a great effort to think or remember something”
• The second definition of this idiom is “To think very hard”
• And the third definition of this idiom is “To try very hard to think of something”

So, whenever you think of the brain, you can also think of the English idiom “Rack your brain”.

Usage

Now, let’s see how you can practically use this idiom in real life.

First, you can use Rack your brain when you are working.
While working, you usually have to deal with several issues or problems. At these times the idiom can be used like this, “He’s racking his brain about how to deal with the situation.”

Second, you can use Rack your brain when you are searching for something.
While searching for something, you usually have a lot going through your mind. At these times the idiom can be used like this, “My dad was racking his brain trying to remember where he put his wedding ring.”

Third, you can use Rack your brain when you are studying.
While studying, you usually have to recall information that you memorized in the past. At these times the idiom can be used like this, “The student was racking his brain trying to remember the definition of the word ‘huge’.”

Fourth, you can use Rack your brain when you are investigating something.
While investigating something, you usually have to look very carefully for specific details. At these times the idiom can be used like this, “The detective kept racking his brain to solve the mystery.”

And finally fifth, you can use Rack your brain when you are reflecting on something. 
While reflecting on things, you usually start to remember old pieces of information or situations. At these times the idiom can be used like this, “I’ve been racking my brain all day, but I can’t remember her name.”

“Rack your brain”

Use it today!

Click the link to download your own free copy of English body idioms with Teacher Tiffani.
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Until next time, try to use this idiom at least one time everyday. You can do it! You can Speak English!

~Teacher Tiffani’