Draw a blank

Meaning

The idiom "draw a blank" means to be unable to remember something, forget something important, or to fail to understand or comprehend something. It can also mean being completely at a loss for words or ideas, or feeling uninspired or stuck.

Usage

• I can't draw a blank when it comes to my friend's sense of humor. He always has me laughing!
• The teacher asked us a question about the last chapter, but I completely drew a blank and couldn't answer it.
• She was so nervous before her presentation that she drew a blank when it came time to speak.
• When I looked at the test questions, I felt like I drew a blank. I didn't know any of them!
• After spending hours trying to write a speech for my friend's wedding, I finally gave up and accepted that I just couldn't draw a blank on this one.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "draw a blank" is uncertain, but it may have originally referred to the act of drawing a line through a space where there was no writing or information. It could also have come from the idea of looking at something for too long and then forgetting what it was. The figurative meaning of the idiom likely developed as a way of describing a feeling of being stumped or confused.

Synonyms in English

• To draw a blank means to be unable to remember something, forget something important, or fail to understand something. It can also mean being completely at a loss for words or ideas, or feeling uninspired or stuck.
• To draw a blank means to be unable to remember something, forget something important, or fail to understand something. It can also mean being completely at a loss for words or ideas, or feeling uninspired or stuck.
• To draw a blank means to be unable to remember something, forget something important, or fail to understand something. It can also mean being completely at a loss for words or ideas, or feeling uninspired or stuck.

Synonyms in other languages

• In Spanish, "dibujar en blanco" means "to draw in white," which is used to describe someone who is blank or forgetful. This idiom is similar in meaning to the English idiom "draw a blank."
• In French, "se souvenir du nom d'une personne" means "to remember someone's name," which is used to describe someone who has forgotten important information. This idiom can also be used to mean "to fail to understand something."
• In German, "habe nichts im Kopf" means "have nothing in my head," which is used to describe someone who has forgotten important information or is completely at a loss for words or ideas.

Similar Idioms

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• double whammy

• do or die