Learn English – n idiom/phrase which contains the word “head” to mean “thinking hard to solve a problem”

idiom-requestsphrase-requests

I am looking for an idiom or phrase that means "thinking hard by myself to solve a problem". I hope the idiom or phrase has the word "head" in it.

Example: I have been ____ head ______ for the last 5 days to solve this math puzzle.

Best Answer

I have been scratching my head for the last 5 days to solve this math puzzle.

The Cambridge Dictionary says the following with regard to British English:

scratch your head

  • to think hard about something
  • A lot of people must be scratching their heads about which way to vote.

It also says the following with regard to American English:

scratch your head

  • to have difficulty understanding something
  • All I can do is scratch my head and ask why.

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To address the point that you want something that means "thinking hard" instead of "to have difficulty understanding," I can attest as a native speaker of English in the United States that to scratch one's head does imply effort being put into solving a problem. Also, if someone is spending 5 days on a math puzzle they must find it difficult, the implication is present that some effort is being put into solving it is there anyway.