On the tip of your tongue

idiom

Something that you know but is momentarily unable to remember.

I can picture his face, but his name is on the tip of my tongue!
Visual representation of "on the tip of your tongue" - something that you know but is momentarily unable to remember

Often appears as...

  • his name is on the tip of my tongue
  • the answer is on the tip of my tongue

Usage tips

Idiomatic

idiom

Something that you know but is momentarily unable to remember.

I can picture his face, but his name is on the tip of my tongue!
Visual representation of "on the tip of your tongue" - something that you know but is momentarily unable to remember

Often appears as...

  • his name is on the tip of my tongue
  • the answer is on the tip of my tongue

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "on the tip of your tongue"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Memory Lapse

Use when you almost remember something; it suggests a brief struggle to recall.

Illustration for Memory Lapse
I know the capital of France, it's just on the tip of my tongue!
LampPro Tip 2/3

Spoken Context

Commonly used in conversation rather than written form; indicates a casual tone.

Illustration for Spoken Context
You know that movie we watched? The director's name is on the tip of my tongue.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Frustration Expression

Indicates a sense of mild annoyance or frustration at being unable to recall.

Illustration for Frustration Expression
Ugh, the word I want to use is on the tip of my tongue!
LampPro Tip 1/3

Memory Lapse

Use when you almost remember something; it suggests a brief struggle to recall.

Illustration for Memory Lapse
I know the capital of France, it's just on the tip of my tongue!
LampPro Tip 2/3

Spoken Context

Commonly used in conversation rather than written form; indicates a casual tone.

Illustration for Spoken Context
You know that movie we watched? The director's name is on the tip of my tongue.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Frustration Expression

Indicates a sense of mild annoyance or frustration at being unable to recall.

Illustration for Frustration Expression
Ugh, the word I want to use is on the tip of my tongue!
LampPro Tip 1/3

Memory Lapse

Use when you almost remember something; it suggests a brief struggle to recall.

Illustration for Memory Lapse
I know the capital of France, it's just on the tip of my tongue!
LampPro Tip 2/3

Spoken Context

Commonly used in conversation rather than written form; indicates a casual tone.

Illustration for Spoken Context
You know that movie we watched? The director's name is on the tip of my tongue.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Frustration Expression

Indicates a sense of mild annoyance or frustration at being unable to recall.

Illustration for Frustration Expression
Ugh, the word I want to use is on the tip of my tongue!
Visual representation of the word "On the tip of your tongue"

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