# grey cells

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/grey-cells
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Brains; a person's ability to think, especially referring to intelligence.

## Examples

- Use your grey cells to solve this puzzle.
- The math problem was difficult, so I had to use my grey cells to find the right answer.
- The detective sat quietly in his chair, exercising his grey cells to uncover the truth behind the mysterious crime.

## Origin

Derived from grey matter, the term refers to the nervous tissue of the brain and spinal cord.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.