13 English "Brain" Idioms and Expressions
The brain is the part of our bodies that lets us think and process information.
But the word also appears in common English words and expressions that native speakers often use. Let's take a look at some you can start using in your conversations today.
English Brain Idioms
No-brainer
Meaning: something that is easy to understand, or a choice that is easy to make
The choice to upgrade to a first-class seat for free was a no-brainer.
To have something on the brain
Meaning: to think about something constantly
My son has Pokémon on the brain. It's all he ever talks about.
The brains
Meaning: intelligence
I don't have the brains to figure out this math problem.
"The brains" can also refer to a person who is the leader of a group or the smartest person in a group.
Mr. Carter seems to be the brains of the organization.
Brainiac
Meaning: a very intelligent person
One of my classmates is a real brainiac. He gets a perfect score on every test.
Related article: English Expressions That Come from Comics
Brain fart
Meaning: a moment in which someone cannot think clearly
This expression is quite casual, so only use it in informal situations.
I had a brain fart and forgot the name of the street where I live.
Brain trust
Meaning: a group of people in charge of planning or making important suggestions
The leaders met with the brain trust before finalizing any policy decisions.
Brainstorm
Meaning: to quickly think of ideas in order to solve a problem or accomplish a task
There are no bad ideas when you're brainstorming. The more ideas, the better!
Want to practice using these words in a real chat?
Book a 25-minute English lesson on Engoo.
Engoo tutors are based in countries around the world and are ready to help you 24 hours a day!
Engoo tutors are based in countries around the world and are ready to help you 24 hours a day!
Brainchild
Meaning: the result of someone's idea or creativity
The project was the brainchild of several local artists.
Brain freeze
Meaning: a sudden, intense cold sensation in the head
Don't eat that ice cream too fast or you'll get a brain freeze!
Brain drain
Meaning: a situation in which large numbers of intelligent people leave a place
The government's lack of funding for research led to a brain drain, as many of the country's scientists left for other nations.
Related Daily News lesson: Poorer Countries Feel Effects of 'Brain Drain'
Brainwash
Meaning: to replace someone's old ways of thinking with new ways that are designed to control them
Some people are worried that social media is brainwashing today's youth.
Pick someone’s brain
Meaning: to speak with someone in order to gain information
Do you have time to meet today? I want to pick your brain about something.
Bird brain
Meaning: an unintelligent person
This very informal term is an insult that refers to the small size of the brains of birds.
Don't walk into the street without looking both ways, bird brain!
Wrap-up
These useful "brain" idioms are about much more than just the organ in our heads! However, all of them are related to thoughts and intelligence — or sometimes the lack of intelligence!
Don't forget to book a lesson on Engoo to practice using these words yourself. And to learn more useful idioms based on body parts, check out this article next!
