brick

[[t]brɪ̱k[/t]]

bricks, bricking, bricked

1) N-VAR Bricks are rectangular blocks of baked clay used for building walls, which are usually red or brown. Brick is the material made up of these blocks.

She built bookshelves out of bricks and planks.

...a tiny garden surrounded by high brick walls.

2) N-SING: a N If you say that someone is a brick, you mean that they have helped you or supported you when you were in a difficult situation. [INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED]

You were a brick, a real friend in need.

Syn:

pal, mate

3) PHRASE: V inflects, usu cont If you are banging your head against a brick wall, what you are saying or doing is not having any effect although you keep saying or doing it. [INFORMAL]

I wanted to sort out this problem with him, but it was like banging my head against a brick wall.

4) PHRASE: V inflects If you hit a brick wall or come up against a brick wall, you are unable to continue or make progress because something stops you. [INFORMAL]

After that my career just seemed to hit a brick wall...

The discussions in Brussels hit a brick wall.

5) PHRASE You can use bricks and mortar to refer to houses and other buildings, especially when they are considered as an investment.

Paying rent simply helps to line the pockets of landlords. It's far better to put your money into bricks and mortar of your own...

As an investment, bricks and mortar are not what they were.

6) to come down on somebody like a ton of bricks → see ton

Phrasal Verbs:

- brick up