on the tip of one's tongue
Meaning: Almost remembered; about to be said.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Body & Senses
Origin: The expression is used when one is trying very hard to recall something such as a name, date, word, or fact and feels that he or she is just about to remember it. The expression suggests that the information is so close to being recalled that it is at the front of one's mouth.
More idioms — Body & Senses
- pay someone back — To respond to somebody's behavior with similar behavior.
- pay through the nose — To pay a great amount; to pay too much.
- pick someone's brain — To get information from someone, usually by questioning the person carefully and in great…
- play it by ear — To go along with a situation as it develops before deciding what to do; to do something w…
- poker face — An expressionless face; a face that reveals nothing of one's feelings or thoughts.
- put one's best foot forward — To try to make the best possible impression.
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 support what one is saying by risking or spending money (sentences 1 and 2); to demons…
- 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 maintain/not maintain a degree of pride in a shameful situation.
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