Definition

1. Noun:
   • A difficult problem: A brain-teaser is a type of puzzle or problem that is challenging to solve, often requiring creative or logical thinking.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The final question on the quiz was a real brain-teaser.
  • She enjoys solving brain-teasers in the newspaper every morning.

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe a conceptually challenging issue:
  • The ethical implications of artificial intelligence present a true brain-teaser for philosophers.
• As a compound modifier:
  • He is known for his brain-teaser puzzles that stump even the experts.

Variants and Related Words

• Puzzle (n): A game, toy, or problem designed to test ingenuity or knowledge.
• Riddle (n): A question or statement phrased to require ingenuity in finding its answer or meaning.
• Conundrum (n): A confusing and difficult problem or question.

Synonyms

• Enigma: Something hard to understand or explain.
• Stumper: A problem that is very difficult to solve.

Related Phrases

• A tough nut to crack: An idiom for a difficult problem or person to deal with.
  • This math equation is a tough nut to crack.
• Food for thought: Something that makes you think carefully.
  • The professor's lecture provided plenty of food for thought.

Noun

1. a difficult problem