Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
draw a blank. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
draw a blank, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
draw a blank in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
draw a blank you have here. The definition of the word
draw a blank will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
draw a blank, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Verb
draw a blank (third-person singular simple present draws a blank, present participle drawing a blank, simple past drew a blank, past participle drawn a blank)
- (idiomatic) To be unable to recall a required piece of information.
I should know that person's name, but I'm drawing a blank.
- (idiomatic) To fail; not to find anything; to produce no successful response.
1856, Lucius Manlius Sargent, Dealings with the Dead, volume 2, page 472:"Oh," she replied, "when I came to think of it, I saw, that you were right. I thought, 'twas quite likely it [the lottery ticket] would draw a blank. […] "
2022, Ling Ma, “Office Hours”, in Bliss Montage, New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, →ISBN:When she brainstormed about what else she would do, where else she would go, her mind drew a blank.
Translations
See also