brain trust: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Journalistic, Academic
Quick answer
What does “brain trust” mean?
A group of expert advisors who provide ideas and solutions, especially to a political leader or organization.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A group of expert advisors who provide ideas and solutions, especially to a political leader or organization.
Any group of knowledgeable individuals gathered to solve complex problems, provide strategic advice, or generate innovative ideas, not limited to political contexts (e.g., corporate, academic).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in and is strongly associated with American English (from FDR's 'Brains Trust'). It is understood in British English but used less frequently, with terms like 'think tank' or 'advisory panel' being more common.
Connotations
In American English, it carries historical/political weight. In British English, it may sound slightly Americanised or journalistic.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, particularly in political and business journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “brain trust” in a Sentence
[Subject] formed/assembled/relied on a brain trust of [experts].The [Leader/CEO]'s brain trust [advised/recommended/developed].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brain trust” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The minister was brain-trusted by her closest aides before the debate. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- We need to brain-trust this problem with the tech leads. (rare, informal)
adjective
British English
- A brain-trust approach to policy-making was adopted. (hyphenated, attributive)
American English
- She held a brain trust meeting every Monday. (noun used attributively)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The CEO assembled a brain trust of industry veterans to navigate the digital transformation.
Academic
The university's brain trust on climate change published a landmark interdisciplinary report.
Everyday
Less common. Might be used humorously: 'My friends are my personal brain trust for DIY projects.'
Technical
Rare in pure STEM contexts; more common in policy, strategy, and management discourses.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brain trust”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “brain trust”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brain trust”
- Using as a plural (brains trust) is archaic; modern use is 'brain trust' for singular and plural.
- Confusing with 'think tank' – a brain trust is typically a smaller, more personal advisory group for a specific leader.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while often formal, it can be used informally to refer to any trusted group one turns to for advice.
It originated in American English in the early 1930s to describe the group of academic advisors to President Franklin D. Roosevelt (often stylised as 'Brains Trust').
No, by definition it refers to a group or collective of individuals.
The original term was 'Brains Trust', but modern American and British usage overwhelmingly favours the singular 'brain trust'.
A group of expert advisors who provide ideas and solutions, especially to a political leader or organization.
Brain trust: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbreɪn ˌtrʌst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbreɪn ˌtrʌst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “kitchen cabinet (similar, more informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TRUST fund, but instead of money, it's filled with BRAINS (intelligence) that you can draw advice from.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTELLIGENCE/ADVICE IS A FINANCIAL RESOURCE (a 'trust' to be managed and drawn upon).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'brain trust' in a corporate context?