English Explanatory Dictionary

draw a blank

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To be unable to recall a required piece of information.
  2. To fail; not to find anything; to produce no successful response.

Word forms

draw a blank draws a blank drawing a blank drew a blank drawn a blank

Etymology

Probably from the idea of drawing of a blank (losing) ticket in an old-fashioned lottery.

Related words

brain cramp come up empty draw blank on the tip of one's tongue thinko
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