blank out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘blank out’ mean?
Analysis of the idiom "blank out":
"Blank out" means to forget or become unable to recall something due to a temporary loss of memory or concentration.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "in the dark" means being unaware or uninformed about something, lacking knowledge or understanding. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is kept ignorant or intentionally left out of important information or events.
The idiom "in the dark" is commonly used to mean someone is uninformed or unaware of something. It dates back to the late 17th century and has its roots in the concept of literal darkness.
The idiom "in the blink of an eye" means something happening extremely quickly or instantaneously.
The idiom "in the blink of an eye" is a widely recognized expression in the English language. It is often used to describe something that happens quickly or instantaneously, emphasizing the speed or brevity of an event or action. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the physiology of blinking and its associations with quickness and reflexes.
The idiom "gloss over" means to ignore, downplay or conceal a problem, mistake, or negative aspect of something, often with a superficial treatment or explanation.
The idiom "freeze out" means to exclude or ignore someone intentionally, making them feel left out or isolated.
The idiom "freeze out" has a straightforward, literal meaning of excluding or ostracizing someone or something by creating a cold, unwelcoming environment.
The idiom "forget oneself" means to lose control of one's emotions or behavior, usually in a way that is unusual or inappropriate for the situation.
The idiom "forget oneself" is a common phrase used in the English language. It means to fail to remember something and also refers to one's own self or identity.
The idiom "fogged out" means to be in a state of confusion, disorientation, or lack of clarity, similar to being unable to see clearly in dense fog.
The idiom "fill in the blank" means to provide missing information or complete an unfinished statement or question. It is often used when the speaker intentionally leaves out a word or phrase, requiring the listener to supply the missing part.
The idiom "fall asleep" is used to describe the act of entering into a state of sleep or becoming unconscious due to fatigue or tiredness.
An idiom, "fade out," means to gradually disappear or become less noticeable. This phrase is commonly used to describe the gradual decrease or end of something, such as a sound, a scene in a movie, or a memory.
Depth Unveiled
The idiom "blank out" is a commonly used expression in English that refers to the sudden loss of memory or the inability to recall information. Its origins can be traced back to the mid-20th century and have since become widely used in both formal and informal contexts.
One possible origin of this idiom is the concept of a "blank slate," which was explored by philosopher John Locke. According to Locke, the mind begins as an empty vessel that is shaped by our experiences and interactions with the world. The idiom "blank out" adopts this imagery by suggesting that the mind becomes temporarily blank and unable to access stored information.
The idiom is applicable in various situations, including academic settings, professional environments, and everyday conversations. It is often used to describe moments of forgetfulness, where a person's mind goes blank and they struggle to recall something they should know. This can happen during exams, presentations, interviews, or even casual conversations.
When someone blanks out, they may experience a temporary lapse in memory, which can be frustrating and embarrassing. This idiom is particularly relevant in high-pressure situations where individuals may feel overwhelmed or anxious, leading to a temporary loss of access to their knowledge or information.
Additionally, other related idioms such as "block out," "draw a blank," and "dry up and blow away" are also used to describe similar instances of memory loss or forgetfulness. "Block out" refers to the inability to recall information or access memories, similar to "blank out." "Draw a blank" is another expression used to describe the failure to remember or recall something. Lastly, "dry up and blow away" is an idiomatic phrase used to convey the disappearance or vanishing of information or memories.
While the exact neurological processes behind blanking out are not fully understood, it is believed to be connected to the body's response to stress. When a person experiences stress, the fight-or-flight response is triggered, leading to the release of stress hormones. These hormones can impact cognitive functioning and impair memory retrieval, resulting in a temporary blanking out of the mind.
While blanking out is generally a temporary phenomenon, it can be concerning for individuals who experience it frequently or in important situations. Various strategies can help mitigate the occurrence of blanking out. Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can be beneficial in reducing stress levels, which may help improve memory recall. Additionally, improving study or preparation methods can enhance information retrieval. If the issue persists, it is advisable to seek professional help to address the underlying causes of frequent blanking out.
The idiom "blank out" is a widely used expression that describes the sudden loss of memory or the inability to recall information. It finds its roots in the concept of a blank slate and is used in a variety of contexts, ranging from academic settings to everyday conversations. Other related idioms like "block out," "draw a blank," and "dry up and blow away" convey similar experiences of memory loss. While the exact mechanisms behind blanking out are not fully understood, strategies such as practicing mindfulness and improving study methods can help individuals navigate these moments of forgetfulness.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "blank out" can be used in a sentence:
- I was so tired during the lecture that I completely blanked out and missed half of what the professor said.
- When the interviewer asked me about my previous job, my mind went blank and I blanked out on the details.
- While taking the exam, I suddenly blanked out and couldn't remember the answer to a question I had studied extensively.
More "Amnesia" idioms
We missed the mark - nothing found.
