rack brains

rack (one's) brain(s)

To struggle to recall or think of something. I've been racking my brain, but I still can't remember what Lydia's husband's name is. He racked his brains all weekend trying to think of a solution to the problem.
See also: rack
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

rack (one's) brains

/brain
To try hard to remember or think of something.
See also: brain, rack
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • rack (one's) brain(s)
  • rack brain
  • rack one's brain
  • rack your brains
  • wrack (one's) brain(s)
  • wrack brains
  • rack one's brain, to
  • brains
  • cudgel (one's) brains
  • cudgel your brain