PhrasesHub

Draw a blank

    Definitions

      • unable to remember or recall information or ideas
        When someone is unable to recall a fact or answer a question, often used in frustration or disappointment

      • fail to receive a response or result
        When someone tries to contact or communicate with someone or something, but does not receive any response or result

      • unable to come up with a solution or idea
        When someone is unable to come up with a solution or idea, often used in brainstorming or problem-solving situations

    Examples of Draw a blank

    • John's mind went completely blank during the job interview.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone forgets everything or is unable to think of an answer due to nervousness, shock, or lack of preparation. In this example, John's mind went completely blank during the job interview, meaning he couldn't remember anything or think of an answer to the interviewer's questions.

    • Sarah's schedule for the week is a complete blank.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where there is no activity or event scheduled for a specific period. In this example, Sarah's schedule for the week is a complete blank, meaning she has no appointments, meetings, or other engagements planned for the upcoming week.

    • The whiteboard in the classroom was wiped clean, leaving a blank slate for the teacher to write on.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where there is no information, ideas, or knowledge present, leaving a clean and empty space for new information to be added. In this example, the whiteboard in the classroom was wiped clean, leaving a blank slate for the teacher to write on, meaning the board was empty and ready for the teacher to write new information on it.

    • The new software program had a blank screen when I opened it.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where there is no visual or graphical display present on a screen or interface. In this example, the new software program had a blank screen when I opened it, meaning there was no menu, icons, or other visual elements present on the screen when I opened the program.

    • The paper was completely blank except for the title at the top.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where there is no text or writing present on a page or document, except for a title or heading. In this example, the paper was completely blank except for the title at the top, meaning there was no text or writing present on the page, except for the title that was printed at the top of the document.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "draw a blank" has multiple meanings, all stemming from the idea of coming up empty or having no result. The most common usage is when someone is unable to remember or recall information, often used in frustration or disappointment. Another meaning is when someone fails to receive a response or result, such as when trying to contact or communicate with someone. Lastly, it can also refer to being unable to come up with a solution or idea, often used in brainstorming or problem-solving situations.

    Origin of "Draw a blank"

    The origin of the idiom "draw a blank" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated from the game of lotto. In the game, players would draw numbers from a container, and if they did not get any matching numbers, they would "draw a blank." This term then evolved to refer to any situation where someone comes up empty-handed or with no result.

    Another theory is that the idiom comes from the practice of drawing or pulling a blank card from a deck of playing cards. This card has no value or suit, indicating a lack of success or result.

    Overall, the idiom "draw a blank" has been in use since the mid-19th century and has evolved to encompass various meanings related to being unsuccessful or unable to come up with a result. It is now a common phrase in everyday conversation and is often used to express frustration or disappointment.