scratching one's head
Gesture of bewilderment
Scratching one's head is a gesture of puzzlement or confusion, often performed unconsciously while thinking through a problem.
The image suggests someone physically stimulating their brain while trying to work something out.
It appears both literally and figuratively: The proposal left economists scratching their heads.
A head-scratcher is something baffling.
- scalpSkin covering skull
- itchingIrritating skin sensation
- fingernailsKeratin digit coverings
- body languageUnspoken physical expression
- confusionMental disorientation or bewilderment
gesture · puzzlement · dandruff · nonverbal communication · contemplation · rubbing · stumped · mental block · idiom · questioning · bewilderment · uncertainty · hesitation · doubt · symbolism · tingling · problem-solving · figuring out
scratching one's headgetting it
Coming to understand
seeing the light · sudden realization · connecting the dots · figuring it out · clarity
scratching one's headsnapping one's fingers
Sharp digit-produced sound
scratch, scratching, scratched, scratches, scratcher, scratchy, headed, heading, headless