Let your hair down

[0397] On the tip of my tongue

🎲 Rule of thumb
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • The feeling of being certain you know a word, name, or fact, but being temporarily unable to recall it.
  • You feel very close to remembering it.

Origin

  • This phrase is quite literal in its description of the sensation.
  • The feeling is often accompanied by a physical sensation or awareness near the mouth or tongue, as if the word is physically present but cannot quite be spoken.
  • It describes a common cognitive phenomenon known as lethologica or the tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) state.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • I almost have it.
  • I can't quite recall it.
  • It'll come to me.
  • The name escapes me for the moment.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Having a brain fart / Brain freeze (A momentary mental lapse, broader than just word recall)
  • Drawing a blank (Completely unable to remember something)

Milder:

  • I can't place the name/word right now.
  • I'm blanking on the name.

More Formal:

  • The name momentarily escapes me.
  • I'm experiencing a temporary lapse in memory.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Appropriate in almost any situation, informal or formal, where momentary forgetfulness occurs.
  • It's a common human experience.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Generally well understood due to its descriptive nature.
  • Ensure learners know it refers specifically to the *feeling* of almost remembering, not just general forgetfulness.

Examples

  • Oh, what's his name... it's right on the tip of my tongue!
  • The title of that song is on the tip of my tongue, it's driving me crazy!
  • I know the answer, it's on the tip of my tongue... just give me a second.

Dialogue

Keira: Who was the actor in that movie we watched last night, the main guy?

Leo: Oh, uh... wait... it's on the tip of my tongue! Tall guy, blond hair?

Keira: Yeah, that's him! Played the detective.

Leo: Argh, I can picture his face perfectly! It'll come to me... Chris... no... Ryan...?

Keira: Ryan Gosling?

Leo: No, not him... It's on the tip of my tongue! So annoying!

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: Trying to remember the name of that amazing restaurant I went to last year... it's on the tip of my tongue! Started with a 'B'? #help #memoryfail
  • Facebook Status: That feeling when the perfect word is right on the tip of your tongue but just won't come out! 😩 #writerproblems #brainfog
  • Comment: What was that website we used for booking? It's on the tip of my tongue...

Response Patterns

  • Take your time.
  • Does it start with...? (Offering help)
  • Describe it, maybe that will help.
  • Don't worry, it'll come to you.
  • Ah, I hate when that happens! (Expressing empathy)

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone says this:

  • Others might offer clues or wait patiently.
  • The speaker might snap their fingers, pause in thought, or describe related concepts trying to trigger the memory.

If the memory returns:

  • Ah, got it! It was [the word/name]!

If it doesn't return:

  • Never mind, I can't remember. / I'll look it up later.

Conversation Starter

  • No.
  • It arises spontaneously during conversation when someone struggles to recall specific information.

Intonation

  • Usually spoken with mild frustration or concentration.
  • Stress often falls on tip and tongue.
  • It's right on the TIP of my TONGUE! often with a slightly strained or thinking tone.

Generation Differences

  • Universally understood and used across all generations.

Regional Variations

  • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
Let your hair down
🎲 Rule of thumb