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rack your brains
rack your brains [idiom]
To do your best to remember something or come up with a solution to a problem
Example:
No matter how hard I was racking my brain, I couldn’t remember my colleague’s telephone number.
To do your best to remember something or come up with a solution to a problem
No matter how hard I was racking my brain, I couldn’t remember my colleague’s telephone number.
To enjoy yourself very much
We had the time of our lives at Ali's party.
To start working or living on your own, especially after working or living with other people
Do you need help, or will you go it alone?
(Also with your tongue in your cheek) If a remark is tongue in cheek, it is not serious and is rather intended to be a joke.
He said he was the sharpest boy in the family, I guess it was just a tongue in cheek.
Having a secret plan, idea etc.
I think Cathy has something in her mind and she is up to something. She has been acting weird all day. She must have something up her sleeves.
To speak too much or unwisely about something
What do you know about working hard? You only have had a part time job for two months and now you are giving me advice on that. Sorry to say that but I think you are shooting your mouth off.
Used to tell someone who’s bothering or insisting unpleasantly to go away
Eric insisted on asking me out for months. Finally I had to tell him to go fly a kite. I know he didn’t like it but I was not interested and I couldn't take it more.
To leave someone helpless in a difficult situation
He abandoned his wife and five children and left them high and dry.
Using your power or influence in order to benefit someone unfairly
I need that position in the ministry. I think I should ask my dad to pull some strings. I know he knows some people there.
To suspect that something is not quite right
The manager told me to sign a blank contract to which she would later add the agreed conditions. But frankly I smelled a rat and said I won’t sign it.
