Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Clara was cudgelling her brain for some new scheme, for some new line of action, when an important suggestion came from an unforeseen quarter.

From The White Terror and The Red A novel of revolutionary Russia by Cahan, Abraham

I had finished The Three Clerks just before I left England, and when in Florence was cudgelling my brain for a new plot.

From Autobiography of Anthony Trollope by Trollope, Anthony

While he was cudgelling his brains about it, a giant came to him and offered to build the church on condition that St. Lawrence tell him his name before the church was completed.

From The Swedish Fairy Book by Various

And there I was, cudgelling my muddy brains for some excuse, because I thought you were staying in the town.”

From Harley Greenoak's Charge by Mitford, Bertram

On his side, Fauchelevent was cudgelling his brains.

From Les Misérables by Hapgood, Isabel Florence