Phrasal verb
puzzle through
Definition
phrasal verb. to think hard about a difficult problem or situation until you find the answer. You use this when something is confusing and you need time to work it out.
phrasal verb. To solve or understand a complex problem or situation through persistent mental effort. This phrasal verb is transitive and emphasizes the process of navigating through difficulty.
Examples
“I often puzzle through the crossword during my lunch break.”
“After reading the legal document three times, she finally managed to puzzle through the complicated language and understand her rights.”
“Theoretical physicists must often puzzle through contradictory data for years before a coherent model of the phenomenon begins to emerge from the noise.”
Examples
simple
“I often puzzle through the crossword during my lunch break.”
contextual
“After reading the legal document three times, she finally managed to puzzle through the complicated language and understand her rights.”
complex
“Theoretical physicists must often puzzle through contradictory data for years before a coherent model of the phenomenon begins to emerge from the noise.”
Usage
Usually takes a direct object representing a problem, mystery, or complex information.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'figure out'; 'puzzle through' suggests a more laborious or confusing process, like navigating a maze.
Pitfall
He puzzled the mystery through.
He puzzled through the mystery.
Unlike 'puzzle out', 'puzzle through' is typically inseparable and the object must follow the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
through
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
puzzle + through + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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