fluffed one's lines
Botched the script
To fluff one's lines is to forget or stumble over words while speaking, especially when performing or giving a prepared speech.
The phrase comes from theater, where actors fluff lines they've rehearsed: She fluffed her lines during the second act.
It extends to any situation where someone misspeaks under pressure: The CEO fluffed his lines at the press conference.
- stumbleLose footing momentarily
- fumbleHandle with clumsy fingers
- slipMinor error or misstep
- misstepError in action or judgment
- dry upLose moisture completely
stage · opening night · forgetfulness · pause · gaffe · cue · prompt · stammer · tongue tied · mental block · muff · flub · script · off script · blanking · drew a blank · brain freeze · blunder