on the tip of your tongue
/ɒn ðə ˌtɪp əv jə ˈtʌŋ/NEUTRAL · B2
Meaning
almost remembered, but not quite
Examples
- 1Wait, her surname's on the tip of my tongue — it starts with a B.
- 2The answer was on the tip of his tongue when the quiz host ran out of time.
- 3I know that actor from somewhere, and his name is on the tip of my tongue.
- 4What's that song called again? The title's on the tip of my tongue.
- 5Aisha paused mid-sentence, frowning, because the word she wanted was on the tip of her tongue.
Grammar
Usually after be, with the word or name as the subject. your changes to match the person: my, his, her.
Similar in meaning
More idioms about the body
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →keep your fingers crossedto hope that something will go wellplay it by earto decide what to do as things happen, without a planrule of thumba rough practical guide based on experienceput your foot in itto say something by accident that embarrasses or upsets someonebreak a legused to wish a performer good luckstick your neck outto take a risk by saying or doing something bold
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
Here you get a couple of questions. The app gives you 16 practice modes, native equivalents and spaced repetition that tells you when it’s time to refresh.
