Tip of the tongue

Meaning

Almost able to recall something but not quite.

Usage

Used when struggling to remember names or facts.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Describes the sensation that the answer is just beyond full recall.

Psychologists adopted the term in the 20th century to describe a memory phenomenon.