puzzle out (something)
puzzle out (something)
To determine, clarify, or realize something through careful thought or consideration. They're still puzzling out how to get the system back online without losing any data. It took me a while, but I think I was able to puzzle out the solution to this riddle.
See also: out, puzzle
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
puzzle something out
to figure something out. It took me a while to puzzle it out. I can't puzzle out the meaning of this argument.
See also: out, puzzle
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
puzzle out
Clarify or solve something, as in It took him a while to puzzle out the significance of the statement. [Late 1700s]
See also: out, puzzle
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
puzzle out
v.
To come to a conclusion or find an answer, especially as the result of a careful thought process: I puzzled out the identity of the murderer before finishing the novel. The answer escaped me at first, but I finally puzzled the problem out.
See also: out, puzzle
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- puzzle out
- on mature consideration
- on mature reflection/consideration
- on mature reflection
- rubber stamp
- pull (something) out of the/thin air
- pluck (something) from the air
- pluck (something) out of the/thin air
- pluck something from the air
- pluck something out of the air