draw a blank

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Explanation of "Draw a Blank"

Definition: "Draw a blank" is an idiomatic expression in English that means to be unable to remember something or to fail to produce any result or answer when you are trying to think of it.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "draw a blank" when you are trying to recall information, like a name or a fact, but you simply cannot remember it.

Example:

1. "I was trying to remember the name of the restaurant we went to last week, but I drew a blank."
2. "During the quiz, I drew a blank on the first question and couldn't think of any answer."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, this phrase can also be used in situations where someone is trying to solve a problem or find a solution but cannot find a way forward. For example: - "After hours of brainstorming, we drew a blank on how to improve the project."

Word Variants:

There are no direct word variants of "draw a blank," but you can use "drawing" and "drew" in different tenses: - Present: "I am drawing a blank." - Past: "I drew a blank."

Different Meaning:

The phrase primarily focuses on memory failure, but in some contexts, it can also imply a lack of success in achieving something: - "The team drew a blank in their last match, failing to score any points."

Synonyms:

• Forget
• Fail to recall
• Come up empty
• Be at a loss

Related Idioms:

• "Hit a wall": This means to encounter a barrier or obstacle that prevents progress, similar to drawing a blank when trying to think of something.
• "Can't think straight": This means being unable to think clearly, which can lead to drawing a blank.

Phrasal Verbs:

While "draw a blank" is not a phrasal verb itself, you might encounter phrases like: - "Come up with" (which means to think of or produce an idea) – the opposite of drawing a blank.

Summary:

So, when you hear or use "draw a blank," remember that it specifically refers to a moment of forgetfulness or the inability to find an answer.

Academic

Verb

1. be unable to remember
   • I'm drawing a blank
   • You are blocking the name of your first wife!

Synonyms

• forget
• block
• blank out