memory

commit something to memory

to make yourself remember something. I haven't got a pen to write down your phone number - I'll just have to commit it to memory.

have a memory like an elephant

to be very good at remembering things. 'I remember where I first saw her - it was at Tim Fisher's party about ten years ago.' 'Yes, you're right - you've got a memory like an elephant!'

See also: elephant, like

have a memory/mind like a sieve

to be very bad at remembering things. I've never known anyone so forgetful - she's got a memory like a sieve.

See also: like, mind

in/within living memory

events or situations in living memory can be remembered by people who are alive now. Areas of southern Italy are experiencing some of the worst storms in living memory. (= the worst storms that people can remember) Some of these houses still had outside toilets within living memory.

See also: living, within

jog your memory

to cause you to remember something. Police are hoping to jog people's memory by showing them pictures of a car that was used in a robbery.

take a stroll/trip down memory lane

to remember some of the happy things that you did in the past. We were just taking a stroll down memory lane and recalling the days of our youth.

See also: down, lane, take, trip

---

commit to memory something

to study something in order to make yourself remember it. If you want to learn a language well, you have to commit to memory long lists of vocabulary and grammatical rules. The boys read the holy book several times, committing it to memory.

down memory lane

in your memory of the pleasures of past events. For older people, visiting the old-fashioned stores in the town was a trip down memory lane.

See also: down, lane

if memory serves

if I am remembering correctly. If memory serves, there will be flags and parades for the Olympic opening ceremonies.

See also: serve

in living memory

able to be remembered by people who are alive now. Water levels on the Mississippi River haven't been this high in living memory.

See also: living

in memory of someone

in order to honor someone who has died and to help people remember them. A service was held in memory of the earthquake victims. Donations can be made to the Heart Association in Diane's memory.

jog your memory

to cause you to remember something. I use the photos to remind me of what I've seen, to jog my memory.

refresh your memory

to help you to remember something. McNamara has refreshed his memory by listening to a tape recording of the meeting.

Usage notes: often used by lawyers when asking questions in a trial: “Will this photograph I now show you refresh your memory?”Edited at refresh & trf here. I'm tempted to label "law" but it is not confined to legal contexts. It is a common cliche in legal proceedings, however. Legal stenographers have a shorthand abbreviation for it. --SL, 8/02