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Wed 19 Nov, 2014 07:35 pm
I learned a new expression today. : pick someone's brain(s)
This is the sentence I saw.
Whenever I have problems with my homework, I pick my dad's brains.
I wondered how it would sound if 'borrow' were used instead of 'pick'.
If written, 'Whenever I have problems, I borrow my dad's brains',
would it sound unnatural, tipping off someone the speaker is probably not from an English-spoken country?
@SMickey,
If I were to say to someone "May I borrow your brain" I would be talking about in a broader sense.
To pick someones brain would be asking an opinion or help on something specific, to say "may I borrow your brain", would be toward someone vastly more knowledgeable, and you may say this in a half joking manner as in "I wish I was as smart as you"
@chai2,
So, when I run into a specific problem, I need to pick some's brain while I may borrow some's brain when it comes to general issues.
Let me practice.
1. Oh, I don't know how to solve this problem. Let me pick your brain.
2. I was told that Einstein is a genius. I wish I could borrow his brain.
Not bad?
@SMickey,
The first sentence is perfect. That is something that I would say (as an American). The second sentence doesn't sound right to me (although I understand it).
When I ask to borrow someone's brain, I am requesting their time to work on something with me.
@SMickey,
Both expressions are equally useful and typical phrases to English-speakers.
This thread reminds me of this Far Side cartoon.
We've all felt this way.
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