1 B2 idiomatic informal
To suddenly forget or be unable to recall something specific, often at an inconvenient moment.
"I completely blanked on her name when I was introducing her to my parents."
inseparable
blank on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To suddenly be unable to remember or think of something specific.
In plain English
To completely forget something in the moment, like your mind going empty.
What does "blank on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Informal and colloquial, especially common in American English. Used when someone experiences a sudden, often frustrating failure of memory about a specific topic or name. Example: 'I blanked on his name.' Less common in British English.
Words that pair with "blank on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
name answer word fact title completely
How to conjugate "blank on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
blank on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
blanks on
he/she/it
Past simple
blanked on
yesterday
Past participle
blanked on
have + pp
-ing form
blanking on
continuous
Hear "blank on" in the wild
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