Definition of puzzle out

The expression "puzzle out" has its origins in the middle 19th century when jigsaw puzzles became popular. The term "jigsaw puzzle" itself is derived from the name of the British politician and diplomat George Hardingham Ball, whose nickname was "the Honourable Mr. Puzzle" due to his skill in reorganizing information. The word "puzzle" comes from the Middle English "plessen," which means "to confuse" or "to perplex." This sense of confusion is reflected in the meaning of "puzzle out," which refers to the act of figuring out a difficult or uncertain situation. The phrase "to puzzle out" first appeared in print in the English publication Quarterly Review in 1852, in the context of solving a mathematical problem. It quickly became a popular way to describe the process of working out the solution to a complex or perplexing issue, both in science and in everyday life. Today, "puzzle out" is commonly used to describe the process of solving a problem or figuring out a mystery, especially when dealing with incomplete or confusing information. Its origins in the world of jigsaw puzzles underscore the idea that even the most difficult and perplexing situations can be broken down into smaller, manageable pieces, thereby making them more solvable.