# scratch one's head

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/scratch-ones-head
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To puzzle, ponder, or wonder about something.

## Examples

- The strange math problem makes me scratch my head.
- I scratched my head for a while trying to understand why the computer stopped working so suddenly.
- The detective scratched his head as he reviewed the conflicting evidence, unable to reconcile the witness statements with the physical facts of the case.

## Origin

From *scratch* + *one's* + *head*. The phrase is a literal compound of its constituent parts.

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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.