Brown study

Meaning

The idiom "brown study" means to be confused or puzzled, especially when trying to understand something. It can also mean to be in a state of bewilderment or disorientation.

Usage

• After spending hours studying for the exam, John was left in a brown study when he realized he had forgotten everything he learned.
• When she saw her friend's new haircut, Sarah was in a brown study and couldn't decide if she liked it or not.
• The politician was in a brown study when asked about the controversial bill he had just proposed.
• After months of trying to find a solution to the problem, John's colleagues were left in a brown study when they realized there was no easy fix.
• The detective was in a brown study when he realized that all the evidence pointed to an innocent suspect.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "brown study" is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 16th century. It may have originally referred to a state of confusion caused by studying too much or too deeply, resulting in a sort of mental exhaustion. Over time, the idiom came to be used more broadly to describe any state of confusion or disorientation.

Synonyms in English

• Perplexed
• Puzzled
• Bewildered
• Disoriented
• Confused

Synonyms in other languages

• Español: Confuso/a
• Français: Confus/se
• Italiano: Confuso/a
• Deutsch: Verwirrt/e
• Russian: Завёршительный (Завязной)

Similar Idioms

• between you and me

• blind date

• buffer zone