draw\ a\ blank

draw\ a\ blank
v. phr. informal
1. To obtain nothing in return for an effort made or to get a negative result.

I looked up all the Joneses in the telephone book but I drew a blank every time I asked for Archibald Jones.

2. To fail to remember something.

I am trying to think of the name but I keep drawing a blank.

3. To be consistently unsuccessful at doing something.

I keep trying to pass that math exam but each time I try it I draw a blank.


Словарь американских идиом. — СПб., Изд-во "Лань". . 1997.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • draw a blank — {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To obtain nothing in return for an effort made or to get a negative result. * /I looked up all the Joneses in the telephone book but I drew a blank every time I asked for Archibald Jones./ 2. To fail to remember something …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • draw a blank — {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To obtain nothing in return for an effort made or to get a negative result. * /I looked up all the Joneses in the telephone book but I drew a blank every time I asked for Archibald Jones./ 2. To fail to remember something …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • draw a blank — If you try to find something out and draw a blank, you don t get any useful information …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • draw a blank — ► draw a blank fail to obtain a favourable response. Main Entry: ↑blank …   English terms dictionary

  • draw a blank — verb be unable to remember I m drawing a blank You are blocking the name of your first wife! • Syn: ↑forget, ↑block, ↑blank out • Ant: ↑remember (for: ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • draw a blank —    If you try to find something out and draw a blank, you don t get any useful information.   (Dorking School Dictionary)    ***    If you look for or try to remember something, and draw a blank, you fail to find it.     I nearly won the quiz;… …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • draw a blank — idi a) to be unsuccessful: to draw a blank in an investigation[/ex] b) to fail to comprehend or remember: I drew a blank on her name[/ex] …   From formal English to slang

  • Draw a blank —   If you try to find something out and draw a blank, you don t get any useful information …   Dictionary of English idioms

  • draw a blank — be unable to think of an answer, mind go blank    For some reason, I drew a blank when the professor questioned me …   English idioms

  • draw a blank — 1. to be unable to get information. Hoover asked the investigators to find out about Byrne, but they drew a blank. 2. to forget something. When Phil asked Lee which airline they were flying on, Lee drew a blank …   New idioms dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”