lose the thread

Idioms and Phrases

Cease to follow the sense of what is said. For example, It was such a long story that I soon lost the thread . This expression uses thread in the sense of “something that connects the various points of a narrative.” [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

Then, something would distract him, and he’d lose the thread.

From Salon

“If I can fill in some of those words via captions and subtitles, then it helps me continue to understand the conversation and not lose the thread.”

From Scientific American

The reporters by then were beginning to lose the thread.

From Washington Post

The problem is if they dump the puck, lose a battle or lose the thread of the play, as they often have, the offense doesn’t create much.

From Seattle Times

As the clock ticked toward midnight and then long after, Mr. McCarthy sometimes seemed to lose the thread, spouting what sounded like a Mad Libs of Republican attacks.

From New York Times

Related Words

• babble
• digress
• meander
• wander