draw a blank

1. Fail to find or remember something, as in He looks familiar but I've drawn a blank on his name. This expression alludes to drawing a lottery ticket with nothing on it (so one cannot win a prize). [Early 1800s]

Example Sentences

Ms Rose's murder shocked the local community but police appeared to be drawing a blank in the search for her killer.

From BBC

The Foxes were more competitive under Cooper - who sacrificed his beliefs to try to find a way to survive - and they drew a blank just once in his 12 Premier League games.

From BBC

Forensic investigators obtained a full DNA profile from blood found on the bin-bags, but as she had never been in trouble before checks on police databases drew a blank.

From BBC

Brighton drew a blank against Forest in the FA Cup on Saturday but Villa are a bit more expansive, and I feel like the Seagulls will have plenty of chances here.

From BBC

Police searched missing people databases and checked on homeless people who were known to sleep rough, but drew a blank.

From BBC

Related Words

• lose consciousness www.thesaurus.com
• pass out