PICKED BRAIN Meaning and
Definition
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"Picked brain" is a colloquial expression that refers to the act of soliciting advice, ideas, or information from someone by engaging in a thorough discussion or conversation with them, with the intention of gaining insight or knowledge on a specific topic. The term essentially symbolizes the metaphorical act of extracting valuable contents or thoughts from someone's mind, similar to picking fruits from a tree.
Derived from the metaphorical interpretation of the word "pick," which means to select or extract, and "brain," referring to one's intellectual capacity or knowledge, the phrase "picked brain" suggests a deliberate attempt to tap into someone's expertise, intelligence, or experience for personal gain.
This phrase often implies that the person being sought out possesses valuable insights or specialized knowledge in the subject matter of interest, and the individual seeking information aims to benefit from their expertise. It can imply the act of probing and questioning extensively to explore different perspectives, gain deeper understanding, or seek guidance in solving a problem or making informed decisions.
Overall, "picked brain" portrays an interactive and active engagement of extracting intellectual resources from an individual, typically through a dialogue or conversation, in order to acquire valuable information, insights, or solutions to enhance one's understanding or decision-making capabilities.
Common Misspellings for PICKED BRAIN
Etymology of PICKED BRAIN
The phrase "picked brain" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "picked" and "brain".
1. "Picked": The word "picked" in this context means selected or chosen. It comes from the Middle English word "pick(en)", which means to choose or select. This word further originated from the Old English word "pyccan", meaning to prick or pierce. Over time, it evolved to indicate selecting something carefully or with discrimination.
2. "Brain": The word "brain" refers to the organ that is responsible for cognitive functions, including thinking, reasoning, and the generation of ideas. It comes from the Old English "brægen", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "bragnam".
When combined, the phrase "picked brain" figuratively suggests the act of carefully or selectively extracting knowledge or information from someone's mind.
