draw a blank

Idioms and Phrases

Fail to find or remember something, as in He looks familiar but I've drawn a blank on his name . This expression alludes to drawing a lottery ticket with nothing on it (so one cannot win a prize). [Early 1800s]

Example Sentences

Since then he has faced Lille, Dortmund and Milan without scoring and also drew a blank in the first El Clasico of the season, which Barcelona won 4-0.

From BBC

After the accusations by Hindenburg, India’s Supreme Court appointed a panel to look into the allegations but gave up when the country’s markets regulator admitted to “drawing a blank” in its investigation.

From New York Times

But the search drew a blank on her dad.

From BBC

Mr Paras's calls to orphanages and police in Bilaspur drew a blank.

From BBC

When asked about live-action TV series that informed his approach to “Percy Jackson,” however, Steinberg drew a blank.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lose consciousness
• pass out