pick someone's brain meaning?

Question

What is the meaning of "to pick someone's brain" idiom?

Answer 1

 

Idiom Conjugations:

 

Answer 2

Gerund Form of the Idiom:

Picking someone's brain can be a good way to obtain critical information.
 

Answer 3

Idiom Usage:

Always in the forms:

pick my brain, pick your brain, pick his brain, pick her brain, pick our brains, pick their brains
or
pick "someone's" brain
 

It is possible that pick someone's brain can have a negative connotation.
If the person picking the brain is asking too many questions or the questions are in regards to a confidential or sensitive subject, this could be interpreted negatively.
Also, if the person who is picking the brain is taking advantage of the situation, this could be considered negative.
 

Answer 4

Idiom Scenario 2:

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A young astrophysics student is dreaming of finding the next breakthrough in the field of cosmology.  He is chatting with a friend.

Student 1:  "I think I am close to finding out what Einstein was missing."
Friend:       "Wow!  That's exciting!  What do you need to study?"
Student 1:  "That's the challenge.  I have read everything that Einstein ever wrote and I still don't have the information I need."
Friend:       "What are you going to do?"
Student 1:  "What I really need to do is to pick Einstein's brain.  I need specific information that only he could answer."
Friend:        "Well, seeing as how Einstein is dead, I suppose you will have to find another way.  Maybe you could pick someone else's brain?"

 

Answer 5

Idiom Scenario 1:

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After three months on the job, Fred is still not completely capable with all his work tasks.  Fred goes to see his boss.

Fred:  "Hey Boss.  Can I trouble you for a moment, please?"
Boss:  "Sure, how can I help."
Fred:  "I'm not quite sure how to get that report you want to update correctly.  Can I pick your brain?"
Boss:  "Of course.  Ask whatever questions you need to."
Fred:  "Well, first, when I have the update screen open, do I ......

Fred continues to ask all the questions necessary to successfully produce the report.
 

Answer 6

Idiom Definition:

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"to pick someone's brain"

to question someone, who knows more than you do, to obtain specific information
 

Synonyms:  advise, argue, bargain, blitz, brainstorm, breeze, confab, confabulation, consult, converse, deal, debate, discourse, flap, gab, group-think, huddle, jaw, negotiate, parley, speak, talk, treat
 



Literally, picking someone's brain ...