think tank

noun

1. a research institute or organization employed to solve complex problems or predict or plan future developments, as in military, political, or social areas.

think-tank

noun

1. informal.
   a group of specialists organized by a business enterprise, governmental body, etc, and commissioned to undertake intensive study and research into specified problems

think tank

1. An institution in which scholars pursue research in public policy. Largely funded by endowments and grants, think tanks work to improve public awareness of policy issues (through publications) and to influence the government to act upon issues of national importance. ( See power elite .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of think tank¹

1900–05 for earlier sense “brain”; 1955–60 for current sense

Idioms and Phrases

A group or organization dedicated to problem-solving and research, especially in such areas as technology, social or political strategy, and the military. For example, The congressional leaders rely too heavily on that conservative think tank . This term originated about 1900 as a facetious colloquialism for brain and was given its new meaning about 1950.

Example Sentences

While the Heritage Foundation did not write the GOP's platform, the think tank is undoubtedly influential in Republican policymaking.

From Salon

In a survey by the Korea Institute for National Unification, a government-funded think tank, 66% of South Koreans said their country should get nuclear weapons if North Korea does not disarm.

From Los Angeles Times

“If past is prologue, I would expect that there’s room for some modest improvements in this area,” said Elliot Haspel, a senior fellow at Capita, a family policy think tank.

From Los Angeles Times

Paul Johnson, director of independent think tank The Institute for Fiscal Studies, has said the changes "will affect a remarkably small number of some of the most valuable farms".

From BBC

James Smith, research director at the Resolution Foundation think tank, argued that the NI changes were "definitely a tax on working people".

From BBC