be on the tip of your tongue

be on the tip of (one's) tongue

To be close to being remembered, as if one is nearly about to say the thing trying to be recalled. Her name is on the tip of my tongue. Just give me a minute, I'll remember it. The answer was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't think of it in time. A: "Ugh, the word is right on the tip of my tongue." B: "'Superfluous'?" A: "That's it!"

See also: of, on, tip, tongue

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

be on the tip of your tongue

1 be almost but not quite able to bring a particular word or name to mind. 2 be about to utter a comment or question but then think better of it.

1977 Bernard MacLaverty Between Two Shores It was on the tip of his tongue to ask her but he didn't have the courage.

See also: of, on, tip, tongue

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

be on the tip of your ˈtongue

used when you are speaking and cannot remember a word, name, etc. but feel that you will remember it very soon: What’s her name? You know, that tall Italian girl...it’s on the tip of my tongue...Claudia, that’s it!

See also: of, on, tip, tongue

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017