The idiom "draw a blank" likely originated from the idea of drawing or selecting a blank, unmarked ticket or card in a game of chance or lottery, which typically results in not winning a prize. This expression is commonly used when someone is unable to remember or provide the information they were hoping for, often in situations where they are expected to provide an answer or explanation.

What is the origin of the idiom "draw a blank" and when to use it?

to [draw] a blank

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The idiom "have a memory like a sieve" likely draws its comparison from a sieve, a kitchen tool used to strain liquids or separate particles, which has many holes or openings. Just as a sieve allows small particles to pass through and be lost, someone described as having a "memory like a sieve" is thought to forget things easily or have trouble retaining information. This expression is used to humorously or critically describe someone who has a poor memory or frequently forgets things. It suggests that their memory is unreliable, much like a sieve that allows things to slip through.

What is the origin of the idiom "have a memory like a sieve" and when to use it?

to [have] a (memory|mind|head|brain) like a sieve

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The idiom "time out of mind" has its origins in Middle English and can be traced back to the 15th century. The term "out of mind" in this context does not refer to forgetfulness but rather denotes a time so far in the past that it is beyond the scope or memory of the speaker. The phrase is often used to convey the idea of an ancient or indefinite period, emphasizing the antiquity or timelessness of a situation or condition.

What is the origin of the idiom "time out of mind" and when to use it?

time out of mind

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The idiom "on the tip of one's tongue" has an origin rooted in the physical sensation people experience when they are trying to recall a specific word or piece of information. When someone is very close to remembering something but cannot quite articulate it, they may feel a sensation of the word or idea being almost within reach, as if it is poised right at the tip of their tongue. This idiom is commonly used when someone is trying to remember or mention something but has not yet succeeded in doing so.

What is the origin of the idiom "on the tip of one's tongue" and when to use it?

to [be] on the tip of {one's} tongue

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The idiom "slip one's mind" likely originates from the notion of thoughts or information slipping away or escaping from one's conscious awareness or memory. It implies that something was forgotten unintentionally, as if it slipped through the cracks of one's mental processes. This expression is used when someone forgets something, typically something important, without intending to do so. It highlights the unintentional or accidental nature of the forgetfulness.

What is the origin of the idiom "slip one's mind" and when to use it?

to [slip] {one's} (mind|memory)

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The idiom "forgive and forget" has been used since the late 18th century and is rooted in the idea of letting go of past grievances or offenses. It emphasizes the importance of both pardoning someone for their wrongdoings and choosing not to dwell on or hold grudges about those past actions. This expression is often employed to advise or encourage forgiveness in situations where someone has been wronged. It suggests that instead of harboring resentment or seeking revenge, it' is better to forgive the wrongdoer and move forward without dwelling on their act.

What is the origin of the idiom "forgive and forget" and when to use it?

to forgive and forget

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The idiom "go blank" is thought to have originated in the early 18th century. It was first used in print in 1712, in a book about gambling. The book said that a gambler might "go blank" if they lost all of their money. Over time, this expression came to be used more generally to describe any situation where someone is unable to think clearly or remember something. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as stress, anxiety, trauma, or simply being tired.

What is the origin of the idiom "go blank" and when to use it?

to [go] blank

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The idiom "senior moment" is a relatively recent colloquial expression that emerged in the late 20th century. It humorously refers to a lapse in memory or a mental lapse experienced by older individuals, often attributed to the aging process.This expression is used informally to describe a temporary forgetfulness, mental lapse, or momentary confusion, typically associated with aging.

What is the origin of the idiom "senior moment" and when to use it?

senior moment

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The idiom "lost in the mists of time" suggests that something has become exceedingly difficult to remember or recall due to the vast amount of time that has passed since it occurred. The expression likely draws upon the idea that memories, like distant objects shrouded in mist, become obscured and unclear as they recede further into the past. This idiom is often used when discussing events or details that occurred so long ago that they have faded from one's memory or become hazy and indistinct.

What is the origin of the idiom "lost in the mists of time" and when to use it?

lost in the mists of time

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Discover how English idioms like "go blank" and "time out of mind" relate to forgetting in English.

English Idioms for "Forgetting"