put your thinking cap on
Meaning(s)
1. think hard about something, particularly a solution to a problem
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
I need you to put your thinking cap on
Analysis
To 'put your thinking cap on' means to think hard about something, especially in order to come up with a solution or an innovative approach to something. "We all need to put our thinking caps on to come up with some solutions to this problem." This is an idiomatic expression used in both social and professional contexts.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- We have to find a solution to this problem by tonight, so I need you all to put your thinking caps on and come up with some ideas.
- There's no point getting stressed about having to submit my proposal by tomorrow. It's just a matter of putting my thinking cap on and getting to work.
Social Examples (Basic)
- I don't know how we are going to manage to pay for this will have to put our thinking caps on.
- I'm sure I can come up with a good idea for the event. Give me a bit of time and I'll put my thinking cap on.