draw a blank, to
Definition: To be unable to remember or to find something. The term refers to a losing ticket in a lottery, which has no number printed on it—that is, it is blank. It first appeared in print in the early nineteenth century.
Synonyms: forget, be at a loss, can’t recall, come up empty
Antonyms: remember, recollect, recall, bring to mind
Humor-Filled Quote:
“My brain is like a browser with 19 tabs open, 17 are frozen, and I have no idea where the music is coming from.” - Anonymous
Related Expressions:
- Hit a wall – To encounter an obstacle that halts progress.
- Brain fog – Clouded thinking, difficulty focusing.
- At a loss – Not knowing what to do or say.
Proverbs and Sayings:
- Out of sight, out of mind.
- He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever.
References in Literature:
- Book: “The Remains of the Day” by Kazuo Ishiguro – A tale of missed opportunities and forgotten years.
- Poem: “Remembrance” by Emily Brontë – A haunting exploration of the longing that accompanies forgotten memories.
- Song: “Memory” from the musical “Cats” – A poignant reflection on the past and things forgotten.
- Movie: “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” – A profound exploration of memory and what it means to forget.
Inspirational Thought: “Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.” - Oscar Wilde
### Which of these phrases means to forget something?
- [x] Draw a blank
- [ ] Light a candle
- [ ] Paint the town red
- [ ] Ride the wind
> **Explanation:** "Draw a blank" means to forget something, while the other phrases have entirely different meanings.
### What does the phrase 'brain fog' describe?
- [ ] A cloudy day
- [ ] A lazy afternoon
- [x] Difficulty thinking clearly
- [ ] A sleepy night
> **Explanation:** 'Brain fog' describes a state of confusion or impaired cognitive function, making it hard to think clearly.
### True or False: 'Hit a wall' is synonymous with 'draw a blank'
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Both idioms can be used to describe a situation where progress is halted—'hit a wall' metaphorically and 'draw a blank' with regard to memory.
### Which book deals with themes of missed opportunities and forgotten years?
- [x] The Remains of the Day
- [ ] The Cat in the Hat
- [ ] The Great Gatsby
- [ ] The Little Prince
> **Explanation:** "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro poignantly explores themes of missed opportunities and the reflection on a life lived.
### True or False: 'Out of sight, out of mind' is a proverb related to forgetting.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. This proverb suggests that when something is no longer visible, it is easily forgotten.
Take joy in your thoughts,
Everett P. Remembrance
