Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
something is on the tip of your tongue
idiom
ˈsəmˌθiŋ ɪz ɒn ðə tɪp ʌv jʊr tʌŋ
Definition
A phrase used to describe the feeling of knowing something but being unable to recall it at the moment.
Examples
- I knew the answer, but it was just on the tip of my tongue during the quiz.
- She could see the word in her mind, but it was on the tip of her tongue.
- That song is on the tip of my tongue; I can almost remember the lyrics!
Meaning
This expression signifies a moment of temporary recall failure, where a person feels that the information they seek is just out of reach, often accompanied by a sense of frustration.
Synonyms
- on the verge of recalling
- almost remembered
- nearly forgotten
