# think tank

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/think-tank
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A group of people who collectively perform research and develop reports and recommendations on topics relating to strategic planning or public policy, and which is usually funded by corporate, government, or special interests.

## Examples

- The think tank publishes new ideas about education every month.
- This think tank studies how technology changes the way we work.
- A local think tank studied traffic problems and suggested building more bike lanes downtown.
- After working for the government, she joined a think tank to focus on long-term solutions for global poverty.
- The university started a new think tank where experts discuss the future of artificial intelligence and its risks.
- Funded by energy companies, the influential think tank quietly shaped national climate policy through carefully timed reports and closed-door briefings with lawmakers.

## Origin

From the 19th-century usage of *think tank* or *think box* as a colloquial term for the human brain. The modern sense, applied to groups of experts, retains the earlier imagery of a contained space where intellectual labour occurs.

---

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.