B2-C1 Why We Remember and Forget - Memory Idioms | Quizlet

to bring to mind

to remind you of someone or something

- What does that phrase ______________ for you?

- It reminds me of our old high school days and all the fun we had.

a memory like a sieve

poor memory

- I have _______________; I can never remember where I put my keys.

- You should try using a designated spot; it might help you keep track of them.

be etched in memory

to be something that you will continue to remember

- That moment we spent at the beach _______________; I can’t forget it.

- It truly was an unforgettable day, wasn’t it?

slip someone's mind

to be forgotten by someone

- I can’t believe I forgot about our meeting; it completely _________________.

- Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us sometimes.

go in one ear and out the other

be heard but then immediately forgotten

- Sometimes, what I learn in class just ___________.

- That’s why I try to take notes; it helps me retain the information better.

a trip down memory lane

an experience which brought back lots of memories

- Looking through these old photos is such _____________.

- I completely agree; it brings back so many wonderful moments.

jog somebody's memory

to make somebody remember something

- Can you help ____________ about what we discussed last week?

- Sure! We talked about the upcoming project deadlines and the budget.

to rack somebody's brain

to think very hard or for a long time about something

- I’ve been trying to ____________ for that name, but it’s just not coming to me.

- Maybe it’ll come to you later when you’re not thinking about it so hard.

at the back of one's mind

always in your mind, although you don't spend too much time thinking about it

- I always keep that promise ______________, even if it’s been a while.

- It’s good to prioritize those commitments; they’re important!

lose train of thought

to forget what one was talking or thinking about

Suddenly, I completely _________________ in the middle of explaining an important point.

out of sight, out of mind

used to say that sb stops thinking about people/things when they are not with them

I see her name all the time at work, but once I leave the office, it’s like she’s ___________________.

ring a bell

sound familiar

Her face____________________, but I couldn’t place where I knew her from.

have a brain fade

a short time when someone cannot think clearly, or cannot remember something

I knew I had studied it the night before, but I _________________________.

on the tip of somebody's tongue

to be almost, but usually not, spoken or said

I was having a conversation with my cousin about our favourite childhood movies when I tried to mention an actor’s name. It was _________________, but I just couldn’t remember it.

draw a blank

to fail to get an answer or a result

When I ran into him again a few days later, I _____________ on his name.