ENGLISH
REFERENCE

puzzle over

idiom
Meaning

To think intensely and deeply about a confusing problem, situation, or question in an effort to understand it or to find a solution.


Examples
SIMPLE

I puzzle over this math problem every night.

CONTEXTUAL

The detective continued to puzzle over the strange clues left at the crime scene, hoping to find a pattern.

COMPLEX

Scholars have continued to puzzle over the mysterious origins of the ancient manuscript, yet no definitive explanation has emerged after decades of study.

Anchors to
Related idioms4entries
  1. 01

    Chinese puzzle

    A senseless situation.

  2. 02

    piece of the puzzle

    A clue that contributes to the solution of a mystery.

  3. 03

    puzzle out

    To figure out; to discover or find a solution to.

  4. 04

    puzzle through

    To work methodically to solve or understand something complex.

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