cudgel one's brains

phrase

: to think hard (as for a solution to a problem)

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cudgel one's brains was in 1604

Rhymes for cudgel one's brains

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Browse Nearby Words

cudgel
cudgel one's brains
cudgel play
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Cite this Entry

“Cudgel one's brains.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cudgel%20one%27s%20brains. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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