my mind went blank
suddenly couldn't remember or think clearly
What it means
'My mind went blank' describes the experience of suddenly being unable to remember something or form a thought, usually because of stress, surprise, or pressure. It often happens during tests, presentations, or important moments. The phrase emphasizes a momentary loss of mental clarity rather than ignorance.
Words like “my mind went blank” are exactly the kind of vocabulary our English vocabulary size test measures — find out how many English words you know.
Examples
- I knew the answer the night before, but during the exam my mind went blank.
- She asked me my own phone number and my mind just went blank.
- He was about to give his speech when his mind went blank and he forgot the opening line.
- Every time I see him my mind goes blank and I can't think of what to say.
Where it comes from
A modern English expression that draws on the metaphor of the mind as a writing surface or screen. 'Blank' here suggests an empty page where words or memories should appear, and the phrase became common in the 20th century.
Related idioms
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