Meaning: This idiom means that you are almost able to remember or say something, but you cannot quite bring it to mind at the moment.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “I know her name; it’s on the tip of my tongue.”
- “The answer to that question is on the tip of my tongue, but I just can’t recall it right now.”
- “Her suggestion sounded familiar, but the exact details are on the tip of my tongue.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “on the tip of one’s tongue” can be traced back to the idea of speech and memory. When someone is trying to remember a word or a name, it can feel as though it’s just about to come out, almost as if it’s physically poised at the tip of the tongue, ready to be spoken. This phrase has been used in various languages and cultures to describe that moment of near-recollection. The idiom vividly captures the sensation of being on the verge of remembering something but not quite being able to articulate it.
