IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishon the tip of one's tongue
Meaning: Almost remembered; about to be said.
Example: “Her name is on the tip of my tongue, but I can't quite remember it.”
Equivalents in other languages
Portuguese: na ponta da língua Literally: On the tip of the tongue
Origin: The image is of a word that has reached the very front of the mouth but will not quite come out. Versions are found in English from the 17th century; psychologists now call the experience the "tip-of-the-tongue" phenomenon.
More English idioms
- put one's finger on it To identify or understand something properly.
- put one's foot down To be firm and unyielding about something.
- put one's money where one's mouth is To back up one's words with money or action.
- rack one's brain To search through one's mind intensively; to try very hard to think of something.
- rule of thumb A rough guide; an unwritten or customary rule based on experience or practice.
- save face To avoid humiliation and keep one's dignity or reputation.
Explore another collection: Tongue Twisters
Tricky phrases to practice out loud, from languages around the world.
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