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Beat your brains out

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Metaphoric intensity

This phrase exaggerates effort by likening intense thinking to a violent act.

Illustration for Metaphoric intensity
She was beating her brains out to remember the answer.
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Frustration implied

Often used to express frustration during challenging mental tasks.

Illustration for Frustration implied
I've been beating my brains out trying to learn calculus.
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Not literal

It doesn't mean physical harm; it's a figure of speech for effort.

Illustration for Not literal
They're beating their brains out to solve the puzzle.
Visual representation of the word "Beat your brains out"

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