[Idiom] PUT YOUR THINKING CAP ON. - Boost Your Problem-Solving Skills

start thinking seriously

The idiom 'Put your thinking cap on' conjures up an amusing image of literally donning a special cap before tackling a difficult problem or brainstorming ideas. Though no actual cap is involved, the phrase, which can be traced back to children's literature of the 19th century, encourages applying oneself seriously to thinking something through. It is especially used to motivate someone (or oneself) to concentrate and come up with thoughtful, innovative solutions to challenges, much like putting on a piece of clothing to prepare oneself mentally for the task at hand.

Example Sentences

1. Put your thinking cap on and solve this riddle.

   Think hard and solve this riddle.

2. We'll need to put our thinking caps on to address the sales decline this quarter.

   We'll need to think hard to address the sales decline this quarter.

3. Faced with the complex problem, the team had to put their thinking caps on to find a solution.

   Faced with the complex problem, the team had to think hard to find a solution.