puzzle over sth to try to solve a problem or understand a situation by thinking carefully about it 试图通过仔细思考来解决问题或了解情况;为…绞尽脑汁，苦思冥想 Scientists are puzzling over the results of the research on the drug. 科学家们在仔细思考这种药的研究结果。 You needn't puzzle over every single word or phrase in the book. 这本书用不着一字一句地抠。