Idiom B2 Informal

Drawing a blank

Unable to remember something, or getting no result when searching

Meaning

Drawing a blank — To be unable to remember something or to get no result when searching; to come up completely empty-handed.

Origin & History

The phrase comes from early lotteries, where participants would draw a ticket from a barrel. Tickets were either winners or blanks — a blank ticket wins nothing. If you "drew a blank", you walked away with nothing at all. By the 19th century the expression had moved beyond lotteries and was being used figuratively to mean any situation where a search or attempt produces no result.

Example Sentences

SentenceContext
I tried to remember her name but completely drew a blank.Forgetting someone's name
The detective investigated for weeks but drew a blank every time.A failed investigation
I drew a blank when the teacher asked me the capital of Finland.Exam or classroom setting
We searched the entire archive and drew a blank — no records were found.Research with no results
She asked me what I'd done at the weekend and I just drew a blank.Memory lapse in conversation
The company drew a blank in its search for a new CEO.Recruitment with no suitable candidate

How to Use It

Informal. Used in everyday speech and informal writing to describe a failure to recall information or a fruitless search. It can describe a momentary mental block ("I drew a blank on his name") or a broader unsuccessful effort ("the investigation drew a blank"). The verb most commonly paired with it is draw, though hit and come up with express similar ideas.

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

I drew the blank when she asked me the answer.

I drew a blank when she asked me the answer. — The fixed phrase always uses 'a blank', not 'the blank'.

My mind drew blank during the interview.

My mind drew a blank during the interview. — The article 'a' is required; it cannot be omitted.

She drew a blank to remember his name.

She drew a blank trying to remember his name. — Use a present participle phrase, not an infinitive, after 'drew a blank'.

Similar Idioms

Come up empty Go blank Hit a wall Lose the thread All Idioms →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Drawing a blank" mean?
"Drawing a blank" means being unable to remember something or getting no result when you search for something. If you draw a blank, you come up completely empty-handed.
Where does the idiom "Drawing a blank" come from?
The phrase comes from lottery tickets. In early lotteries, tickets were either winners or blanks — a blank ticket wins nothing. If you drew a blank from the lottery barrel, you received nothing. By the 19th century the expression was used figuratively to mean getting no result at all.
Can you give an example of "Drawing a blank" in a sentence?
Here is an example: "I tried to remember her name but completely drew a blank." — used when someone cannot recall a piece of information.
Is "Drawing a blank" formal or informal?
Informal. It is commonly used in everyday speech and informal writing. It can also appear in journalism to describe a failed investigation or search, but it should be avoided in formal academic writing.
What CEFR level is "Drawing a blank"?
This idiom is typically taught at B2 level. It is an upper-intermediate expression that appears in a wide range of spoken and written English contexts.
What are common mistakes with "Drawing a blank"?
The most common mistake is using the wrong article. The correct phrase is always "draw a blank" — never "draw the blank" or dropping the article entirely. For example: "My mind drew blank" is incorrect; the right form is "My mind drew a blank".
What idioms are similar to "Drawing a blank"?
Similar idioms include: Come up empty, Go blank, Hit a wall, and Lose the thread. These all convey the idea of failing to find or remember something but may differ slightly in tone or context.
How do I practise idioms like "Drawing a blank"?
LexFizz's Flash Cards and Flip Tiles exercises are great for practising English idioms. Try to write your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and conversations.
Can "Drawing a blank" be used in writing?
Yes, but it depends on the register. It suits informal writing and journalism well. Idioms generally work best in spoken English or informal writing; avoid them in formal academic or professional documents unless you are sure of your audience.
Does "Drawing a blank" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, "drawing a blank" is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: being unable to remember something or getting no result. It is widely recognised in all major varieties of English.