have a mind like a sieve

a mind like a sieve

The tendency to be exceptionally forgetful or absentminded; a poor memory. I need to start getting more sleep at night, because lately I've had a mind like a sieve. John has a mind like a sieve—I had to leave him three separate reminders about the play tomorrow night! Mom has a mind like a sieve, so don't bother asking her—there's no way she'll remember.

See also: like, mind, sieve

have a mind like a sieve

To be exceptionally forgetful or absentminded. I need to start getting more sleep at night, because lately I've had a mind like a sieve. John has a mind like a sieve—I had to leave him three separate reminders about the play tomorrow night! Please remind me about the meeting because I have a mind like a sieve these days.

See also: have, like, mind, sieve

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

a mind like a sieve

or

a brain like a sieve

If you have a mind like a sieve or a brain like a sieve, you have a bad memory and often forget things. He's lost his keys again — he's got a mind like a sieve, that boy.

See also: like, mind, sieve

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

have a mind/memory like a ˈsieve

(informal) forget things easily or quickly: I’m terribly sorry I didn’t remember your birthday — I’ve got a memory like a sieve.

A sieve is a kitchen tool with small holes in it, used for separating solids from liquids or very small pieces of food from larger pieces.

See also: have, like, memory, mind, sieve

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017