draws a blank
Can't recall it
To draw a blank is to fail to remember something or find what you're looking for.
The phrase comes from lotteries where drawing a blank ticket meant winning nothing.
I tried to remember her name but drew a blank.
The search drew a blank—no matching records.
- forgetFail to recall
- tip of tongueEdge of speech organ
- misrememberRecall something inaccurately
- memory lapseBrief forgetting episode
- falterLose momentum or steadiness
stall · amnesia · brain fart · freeze · deer in headlights · frustration · stumped · block · self-doubt · retrieval · lapse · senior moment · mental block · confusion · absent-mindedness · spacing out · hesitate · void
memory retrieval
draws a blankremembers
Retains in the mind
recalls · recollects · retrieves · never forgets · summons up
response production
draws a blanknails it
Performs something flawlessly
spouts off · delivers · scores · succeeds
draw, draws, drew, drawn, drawing, drawings, drawer, drawers, blank