What does the expression “right on the tip of my tongue” mean?
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After googling, I'm not really sure what exactly it means. I have two conclusions:
- It means that I don't remember an easy word or a name right now although I already know it and I was able to remember it any time in
the past. So I'm like It'll come to me.
.
- It means that I was about to say something but someone else said it faster than me. I didn't forget this something at all. I already
remember it but someone said it before me.
Which one is correct? Is it about forgetting or speed?
phrase-meaning expressions
add a comment |
After googling, I'm not really sure what exactly it means. I have two conclusions:
- It means that I don't remember an easy word or a name right now although I already know it and I was able to remember it any time in
the past. So I'm like It'll come to me.
.
- It means that I was about to say something but someone else said it faster than me. I didn't forget this something at all. I already
remember it but someone said it before me.
Which one is correct? Is it about forgetting or speed?
phrase-meaning expressions
3
The answers below are accurate, but it may be useful to know that (certainly in Britain) people sometimes say that a remark was "on the tip of their tongue" when they were about to utter it, but decided not to for some reason.
– Michael Harvey
May 10 at 11:38
1
I think it’s also worth mentioning that in psychology and cognitive science, it’s considered a memory bias: more info on the Wikipedia page.
– Simone
May 10 at 12:36
3
Where did you find the 2nd definition? I don't think I've ever heard anyone use the phrase to mean that.
– Barmar
May 10 at 15:11
@Barmar In this link: idioms.thefreedictionary.com/on+the+tip+of+tongue and the confusion comes from this sentence: John had the answer on the tip of his tongue, but Anne said it first.
– user2824371
May 10 at 15:22
add a comment |
After googling, I'm not really sure what exactly it means. I have two conclusions:
- It means that I don't remember an easy word or a name right now although I already know it and I was able to remember it any time in
the past. So I'm like It'll come to me.
.
- It means that I was about to say something but someone else said it faster than me. I didn't forget this something at all. I already
remember it but someone said it before me.
Which one is correct? Is it about forgetting or speed?
phrase-meaning expressions
After googling, I'm not really sure what exactly it means. I have two conclusions:
- It means that I don't remember an easy word or a name right now although I already know it and I was able to remember it any time in
the past. So I'm like It'll come to me.
.
- It means that I was about to say something but someone else said it faster than me. I didn't forget this something at all. I already
remember it but someone said it before me.
Which one is correct? Is it about forgetting or speed?
phrase-meaning expressions
phrase-meaning expressions
edited May 12 at 2:25
V2Blast
15518
15518
asked May 10 at 7:57
user2824371user2824371
1,07921731
1,07921731
3
The answers below are accurate, but it may be useful to know that (certainly in Britain) people sometimes say that a remark was "on the tip of their tongue" when they were about to utter it, but decided not to for some reason.
– Michael Harvey
May 10 at 11:38
1
I think it’s also worth mentioning that in psychology and cognitive science, it’s considered a memory bias: more info on the Wikipedia page.
– Simone
May 10 at 12:36
3
Where did you find the 2nd definition? I don't think I've ever heard anyone use the phrase to mean that.
– Barmar
May 10 at 15:11
@Barmar In this link: idioms.thefreedictionary.com/on+the+tip+of+tongue and the confusion comes from this sentence: John had the answer on the tip of his tongue, but Anne said it first.
– user2824371
May 10 at 15:22
add a comment |
3
The answers below are accurate, but it may be useful to know that (certainly in Britain) people sometimes say that a remark was "on the tip of their tongue" when they were about to utter it, but decided not to for some reason.
– Michael Harvey
May 10 at 11:38
1
I think it’s also worth mentioning that in psychology and cognitive science, it’s considered a memory bias: more info on the Wikipedia page.
– Simone
May 10 at 12:36
3
Where did you find the 2nd definition? I don't think I've ever heard anyone use the phrase to mean that.
– Barmar
May 10 at 15:11
@Barmar In this link: idioms.thefreedictionary.com/on+the+tip+of+tongue and the confusion comes from this sentence: John had the answer on the tip of his tongue, but Anne said it first.
– user2824371
May 10 at 15:22
3
3
The answers below are accurate, but it may be useful to know that (certainly in Britain) people sometimes say that a remark was "on the tip of their tongue" when they were about to utter it, but decided not to for some reason.
– Michael Harvey
May 10 at 11:38
The answers below are accurate, but it may be useful to know that (certainly in Britain) people sometimes say that a remark was "on the tip of their tongue" when they were about to utter it, but decided not to for some reason.
– Michael Harvey
May 10 at 11:38
1
1
I think it’s also worth mentioning that in psychology and cognitive science, it’s considered a memory bias: more info on the Wikipedia page.
– Simone
May 10 at 12:36
I think it’s also worth mentioning that in psychology and cognitive science, it’s considered a memory bias: more info on the Wikipedia page.
– Simone
May 10 at 12:36
3
3
Where did you find the 2nd definition? I don't think I've ever heard anyone use the phrase to mean that.
– Barmar
May 10 at 15:11
Where did you find the 2nd definition? I don't think I've ever heard anyone use the phrase to mean that.
– Barmar
May 10 at 15:11
@Barmar In this link: idioms.thefreedictionary.com/on+the+tip+of+tongue and the confusion comes from this sentence: John had the answer on the tip of his tongue, but Anne said it first.
– user2824371
May 10 at 15:22
@Barmar In this link: idioms.thefreedictionary.com/on+the+tip+of+tongue and the confusion comes from this sentence: John had the answer on the tip of his tongue, but Anne said it first.
– user2824371
May 10 at 15:22
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
"I have a word right on the tip of my tongue" means I can almost recall it but am not able to do so. So, like in your first example.
If something that you want to say is on the tip of your tongue, you think you know it and that you will be able to remember it very soon. (Cambridge Dictionary)
In your second example, when you intend to say something, but someone says it before you, you can say:
You took the words right out of my mouth. (Thefreedictionary.com)
1
I think it's a tip not *top, right? (In the first line of the answer).
– user2824371
May 10 at 8:41
1
Indeed.........
– Jan
May 10 at 8:42
Well, the answer is very useful. Thank you so much for giving me an expression for the other meaning <3
– user2824371
May 10 at 8:43
7
I just took it from the top of my head...
– Jan
May 10 at 9:21
6
@Jan I would say it was "off the top of my head", but good answer nevertheless :)
– Andrew
May 10 at 15:14
|
show 1 more comment
To have something on the tip of (one's) tongue is quite aptly described at
the free dictionary as Almost able to be recalled.
and at
the cambridge dictionary as
you think you know it and that you will be able to remember it very soon
So, your assumption 1. would fit.
add a comment |
"On the tip of the tongue" means you are about to say something but the words have yet to be said. It can be used in multiple ways, including in the sense of both of your examples.
From the Collins dictionary,
"on the tip of someone's tongue" can mean
1. almost said by someone.
2. about to be said, especially because almost but not quite recalled.
Your first interpretation of the idiom involves the second listed meaning. The sense of not actually remembering how to express what you want to say is typical and probably the most common usage but need not always be the case.
The second interpretation of the phrase in the post involves the first meaning, but the connection with speed may be inherent if you decide to stop saying something that was about to come out of your mouth.
Some examples:
"It was on the tip of my tongue to say the same thing but you beat me to it!" - which shares the meaning of "You took the words out of my mouth",
"It was on the tip of my tongue to say something but decided keeping quiet was a wiser choice."
"Oh look, there's an ... um ... err ... you know ... what do you call it? Its name is right on the tip of my tongue."
+1 For being beaten to saying it by someone else... when used with "was" it relates to speed (the OP's second scenario). Other answers appear to have neglected that fact.
– Greenonline
May 11 at 20:55
add a comment |
In addition to the above, the expression can be used in the past tense if you were about to say something, but decided not to. For example,
The words were on the tip of my tongue, but I decided at the last minute to keep silent.
This seems to be a British regional usage. Certainly a valid answer, just not a universal one.
– arp
May 10 at 19:00
1
Mmm, I'm sure it's somewhat regional, but I'm from Minnesota USA and I've heard it, if less frequently than the other uses. I think the difference is that this one is talking about a past event, whereas the usage laid out above is used during conversation directly.
– Cullub
May 11 at 17:22
add a comment |
It's kinda both. The expression describes the sensation of almost remembering something. If you take a computer as an analogy, it's like you've managed to find the file the word is in, and you've double-clicked to open the file, and now you're waiting for the computer to access that part of the hard drive and open the file. You know how sometimes when you try to open a file and the computer kinda freezes for a little bit? "on the tip of my tongue" describes that sensation of the information almost being accessed. With a computer, this could just be a temporary thing, such as your computer needing to spin up the hard drive, or there could be something wrong with the file, and it never opens. Similarly, something "on the tip of my tongue" could mean I need a few extra seconds for my brain's "hard drive" to "spin up" (metaphorically speaking, of course), but it could also be followed with completely failing to remember what I was looking for.
The phrase refers to a moment in which you can't remember. If that moment is followed by you remembering the next moment, then the overall effect is that it takes you longer to remember. If it's not followed by you remembering, then the overall effect is of you not remembering.
add a comment |
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5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
"I have a word right on the tip of my tongue" means I can almost recall it but am not able to do so. So, like in your first example.
If something that you want to say is on the tip of your tongue, you think you know it and that you will be able to remember it very soon. (Cambridge Dictionary)
In your second example, when you intend to say something, but someone says it before you, you can say:
You took the words right out of my mouth. (Thefreedictionary.com)
1
I think it's a tip not *top, right? (In the first line of the answer).
– user2824371
May 10 at 8:41
1
Indeed.........
– Jan
May 10 at 8:42
Well, the answer is very useful. Thank you so much for giving me an expression for the other meaning <3
– user2824371
May 10 at 8:43
7
I just took it from the top of my head...
– Jan
May 10 at 9:21
6
@Jan I would say it was "off the top of my head", but good answer nevertheless :)
– Andrew
May 10 at 15:14
|
show 1 more comment
"I have a word right on the tip of my tongue" means I can almost recall it but am not able to do so. So, like in your first example.
If something that you want to say is on the tip of your tongue, you think you know it and that you will be able to remember it very soon. (Cambridge Dictionary)
In your second example, when you intend to say something, but someone says it before you, you can say:
You took the words right out of my mouth. (Thefreedictionary.com)
1
I think it's a tip not *top, right? (In the first line of the answer).
– user2824371
May 10 at 8:41
1
Indeed.........
– Jan
May 10 at 8:42
Well, the answer is very useful. Thank you so much for giving me an expression for the other meaning <3
– user2824371
May 10 at 8:43
7
I just took it from the top of my head...
– Jan
May 10 at 9:21
6
@Jan I would say it was "off the top of my head", but good answer nevertheless :)
– Andrew
May 10 at 15:14
|
show 1 more comment
"I have a word right on the tip of my tongue" means I can almost recall it but am not able to do so. So, like in your first example.
If something that you want to say is on the tip of your tongue, you think you know it and that you will be able to remember it very soon. (Cambridge Dictionary)
In your second example, when you intend to say something, but someone says it before you, you can say:
You took the words right out of my mouth. (Thefreedictionary.com)
"I have a word right on the tip of my tongue" means I can almost recall it but am not able to do so. So, like in your first example.
If something that you want to say is on the tip of your tongue, you think you know it and that you will be able to remember it very soon. (Cambridge Dictionary)
In your second example, when you intend to say something, but someone says it before you, you can say:
You took the words right out of my mouth. (Thefreedictionary.com)
edited May 10 at 8:44
answered May 10 at 8:02
JanJan
1,503312
1,503312
1
I think it's a tip not *top, right? (In the first line of the answer).
– user2824371
May 10 at 8:41
1
Indeed.........
– Jan
May 10 at 8:42
Well, the answer is very useful. Thank you so much for giving me an expression for the other meaning <3
– user2824371
May 10 at 8:43
7
I just took it from the top of my head...
– Jan
May 10 at 9:21
6
@Jan I would say it was "off the top of my head", but good answer nevertheless :)
– Andrew
May 10 at 15:14
|
show 1 more comment
1
I think it's a tip not *top, right? (In the first line of the answer).
– user2824371
May 10 at 8:41
1
Indeed.........
– Jan
May 10 at 8:42
Well, the answer is very useful. Thank you so much for giving me an expression for the other meaning <3
– user2824371
May 10 at 8:43
7
I just took it from the top of my head...
– Jan
May 10 at 9:21
6
@Jan I would say it was "off the top of my head", but good answer nevertheless :)
– Andrew
May 10 at 15:14
1
1
I think it's a tip not *top, right? (In the first line of the answer).
– user2824371
May 10 at 8:41
I think it's a tip not *top, right? (In the first line of the answer).
– user2824371
May 10 at 8:41
1
1
Indeed.........
– Jan
May 10 at 8:42
Indeed.........
– Jan
May 10 at 8:42
Well, the answer is very useful. Thank you so much for giving me an expression for the other meaning <3
– user2824371
May 10 at 8:43
Well, the answer is very useful. Thank you so much for giving me an expression for the other meaning <3
– user2824371
May 10 at 8:43
7
7
I just took it from the top of my head...
– Jan
May 10 at 9:21
I just took it from the top of my head...
– Jan
May 10 at 9:21
6
6
@Jan I would say it was "off the top of my head", but good answer nevertheless :)
– Andrew
May 10 at 15:14
@Jan I would say it was "off the top of my head", but good answer nevertheless :)
– Andrew
May 10 at 15:14
|
show 1 more comment
To have something on the tip of (one's) tongue is quite aptly described at
the free dictionary as Almost able to be recalled.
and at
the cambridge dictionary as
you think you know it and that you will be able to remember it very soon
So, your assumption 1. would fit.
add a comment |
To have something on the tip of (one's) tongue is quite aptly described at
the free dictionary as Almost able to be recalled.
and at
the cambridge dictionary as
you think you know it and that you will be able to remember it very soon
So, your assumption 1. would fit.
add a comment |
To have something on the tip of (one's) tongue is quite aptly described at
the free dictionary as Almost able to be recalled.
and at
the cambridge dictionary as
you think you know it and that you will be able to remember it very soon
So, your assumption 1. would fit.
To have something on the tip of (one's) tongue is quite aptly described at
the free dictionary as Almost able to be recalled.
and at
the cambridge dictionary as
you think you know it and that you will be able to remember it very soon
So, your assumption 1. would fit.
answered May 10 at 8:17
glissiglissi
35116
35116
add a comment |
add a comment |
"On the tip of the tongue" means you are about to say something but the words have yet to be said. It can be used in multiple ways, including in the sense of both of your examples.
From the Collins dictionary,
"on the tip of someone's tongue" can mean
1. almost said by someone.
2. about to be said, especially because almost but not quite recalled.
Your first interpretation of the idiom involves the second listed meaning. The sense of not actually remembering how to express what you want to say is typical and probably the most common usage but need not always be the case.
The second interpretation of the phrase in the post involves the first meaning, but the connection with speed may be inherent if you decide to stop saying something that was about to come out of your mouth.
Some examples:
"It was on the tip of my tongue to say the same thing but you beat me to it!" - which shares the meaning of "You took the words out of my mouth",
"It was on the tip of my tongue to say something but decided keeping quiet was a wiser choice."
"Oh look, there's an ... um ... err ... you know ... what do you call it? Its name is right on the tip of my tongue."
+1 For being beaten to saying it by someone else... when used with "was" it relates to speed (the OP's second scenario). Other answers appear to have neglected that fact.
– Greenonline
May 11 at 20:55
add a comment |
"On the tip of the tongue" means you are about to say something but the words have yet to be said. It can be used in multiple ways, including in the sense of both of your examples.
From the Collins dictionary,
"on the tip of someone's tongue" can mean
1. almost said by someone.
2. about to be said, especially because almost but not quite recalled.
Your first interpretation of the idiom involves the second listed meaning. The sense of not actually remembering how to express what you want to say is typical and probably the most common usage but need not always be the case.
The second interpretation of the phrase in the post involves the first meaning, but the connection with speed may be inherent if you decide to stop saying something that was about to come out of your mouth.
Some examples:
"It was on the tip of my tongue to say the same thing but you beat me to it!" - which shares the meaning of "You took the words out of my mouth",
"It was on the tip of my tongue to say something but decided keeping quiet was a wiser choice."
"Oh look, there's an ... um ... err ... you know ... what do you call it? Its name is right on the tip of my tongue."
+1 For being beaten to saying it by someone else... when used with "was" it relates to speed (the OP's second scenario). Other answers appear to have neglected that fact.
– Greenonline
May 11 at 20:55
add a comment |
"On the tip of the tongue" means you are about to say something but the words have yet to be said. It can be used in multiple ways, including in the sense of both of your examples.
From the Collins dictionary,
"on the tip of someone's tongue" can mean
1. almost said by someone.
2. about to be said, especially because almost but not quite recalled.
Your first interpretation of the idiom involves the second listed meaning. The sense of not actually remembering how to express what you want to say is typical and probably the most common usage but need not always be the case.
The second interpretation of the phrase in the post involves the first meaning, but the connection with speed may be inherent if you decide to stop saying something that was about to come out of your mouth.
Some examples:
"It was on the tip of my tongue to say the same thing but you beat me to it!" - which shares the meaning of "You took the words out of my mouth",
"It was on the tip of my tongue to say something but decided keeping quiet was a wiser choice."
"Oh look, there's an ... um ... err ... you know ... what do you call it? Its name is right on the tip of my tongue."
"On the tip of the tongue" means you are about to say something but the words have yet to be said. It can be used in multiple ways, including in the sense of both of your examples.
From the Collins dictionary,
"on the tip of someone's tongue" can mean
1. almost said by someone.
2. about to be said, especially because almost but not quite recalled.
Your first interpretation of the idiom involves the second listed meaning. The sense of not actually remembering how to express what you want to say is typical and probably the most common usage but need not always be the case.
The second interpretation of the phrase in the post involves the first meaning, but the connection with speed may be inherent if you decide to stop saying something that was about to come out of your mouth.
Some examples:
"It was on the tip of my tongue to say the same thing but you beat me to it!" - which shares the meaning of "You took the words out of my mouth",
"It was on the tip of my tongue to say something but decided keeping quiet was a wiser choice."
"Oh look, there's an ... um ... err ... you know ... what do you call it? Its name is right on the tip of my tongue."
edited May 12 at 2:36
answered May 11 at 4:13
traktor53traktor53
33613
33613
+1 For being beaten to saying it by someone else... when used with "was" it relates to speed (the OP's second scenario). Other answers appear to have neglected that fact.
– Greenonline
May 11 at 20:55
add a comment |
+1 For being beaten to saying it by someone else... when used with "was" it relates to speed (the OP's second scenario). Other answers appear to have neglected that fact.
– Greenonline
May 11 at 20:55
+1 For being beaten to saying it by someone else... when used with "was" it relates to speed (the OP's second scenario). Other answers appear to have neglected that fact.
– Greenonline
May 11 at 20:55
+1 For being beaten to saying it by someone else... when used with "was" it relates to speed (the OP's second scenario). Other answers appear to have neglected that fact.
– Greenonline
May 11 at 20:55
add a comment |
In addition to the above, the expression can be used in the past tense if you were about to say something, but decided not to. For example,
The words were on the tip of my tongue, but I decided at the last minute to keep silent.
This seems to be a British regional usage. Certainly a valid answer, just not a universal one.
– arp
May 10 at 19:00
1
Mmm, I'm sure it's somewhat regional, but I'm from Minnesota USA and I've heard it, if less frequently than the other uses. I think the difference is that this one is talking about a past event, whereas the usage laid out above is used during conversation directly.
– Cullub
May 11 at 17:22
add a comment |
In addition to the above, the expression can be used in the past tense if you were about to say something, but decided not to. For example,
The words were on the tip of my tongue, but I decided at the last minute to keep silent.
This seems to be a British regional usage. Certainly a valid answer, just not a universal one.
– arp
May 10 at 19:00
1
Mmm, I'm sure it's somewhat regional, but I'm from Minnesota USA and I've heard it, if less frequently than the other uses. I think the difference is that this one is talking about a past event, whereas the usage laid out above is used during conversation directly.
– Cullub
May 11 at 17:22
add a comment |
In addition to the above, the expression can be used in the past tense if you were about to say something, but decided not to. For example,
The words were on the tip of my tongue, but I decided at the last minute to keep silent.
In addition to the above, the expression can be used in the past tense if you were about to say something, but decided not to. For example,
The words were on the tip of my tongue, but I decided at the last minute to keep silent.
answered May 10 at 17:39
CullubCullub
1256
1256
This seems to be a British regional usage. Certainly a valid answer, just not a universal one.
– arp
May 10 at 19:00
1
Mmm, I'm sure it's somewhat regional, but I'm from Minnesota USA and I've heard it, if less frequently than the other uses. I think the difference is that this one is talking about a past event, whereas the usage laid out above is used during conversation directly.
– Cullub
May 11 at 17:22
add a comment |
This seems to be a British regional usage. Certainly a valid answer, just not a universal one.
– arp
May 10 at 19:00
1
Mmm, I'm sure it's somewhat regional, but I'm from Minnesota USA and I've heard it, if less frequently than the other uses. I think the difference is that this one is talking about a past event, whereas the usage laid out above is used during conversation directly.
– Cullub
May 11 at 17:22
This seems to be a British regional usage. Certainly a valid answer, just not a universal one.
– arp
May 10 at 19:00
This seems to be a British regional usage. Certainly a valid answer, just not a universal one.
– arp
May 10 at 19:00
1
1
Mmm, I'm sure it's somewhat regional, but I'm from Minnesota USA and I've heard it, if less frequently than the other uses. I think the difference is that this one is talking about a past event, whereas the usage laid out above is used during conversation directly.
– Cullub
May 11 at 17:22
Mmm, I'm sure it's somewhat regional, but I'm from Minnesota USA and I've heard it, if less frequently than the other uses. I think the difference is that this one is talking about a past event, whereas the usage laid out above is used during conversation directly.
– Cullub
May 11 at 17:22
add a comment |
It's kinda both. The expression describes the sensation of almost remembering something. If you take a computer as an analogy, it's like you've managed to find the file the word is in, and you've double-clicked to open the file, and now you're waiting for the computer to access that part of the hard drive and open the file. You know how sometimes when you try to open a file and the computer kinda freezes for a little bit? "on the tip of my tongue" describes that sensation of the information almost being accessed. With a computer, this could just be a temporary thing, such as your computer needing to spin up the hard drive, or there could be something wrong with the file, and it never opens. Similarly, something "on the tip of my tongue" could mean I need a few extra seconds for my brain's "hard drive" to "spin up" (metaphorically speaking, of course), but it could also be followed with completely failing to remember what I was looking for.
The phrase refers to a moment in which you can't remember. If that moment is followed by you remembering the next moment, then the overall effect is that it takes you longer to remember. If it's not followed by you remembering, then the overall effect is of you not remembering.
add a comment |
It's kinda both. The expression describes the sensation of almost remembering something. If you take a computer as an analogy, it's like you've managed to find the file the word is in, and you've double-clicked to open the file, and now you're waiting for the computer to access that part of the hard drive and open the file. You know how sometimes when you try to open a file and the computer kinda freezes for a little bit? "on the tip of my tongue" describes that sensation of the information almost being accessed. With a computer, this could just be a temporary thing, such as your computer needing to spin up the hard drive, or there could be something wrong with the file, and it never opens. Similarly, something "on the tip of my tongue" could mean I need a few extra seconds for my brain's "hard drive" to "spin up" (metaphorically speaking, of course), but it could also be followed with completely failing to remember what I was looking for.
The phrase refers to a moment in which you can't remember. If that moment is followed by you remembering the next moment, then the overall effect is that it takes you longer to remember. If it's not followed by you remembering, then the overall effect is of you not remembering.
add a comment |
It's kinda both. The expression describes the sensation of almost remembering something. If you take a computer as an analogy, it's like you've managed to find the file the word is in, and you've double-clicked to open the file, and now you're waiting for the computer to access that part of the hard drive and open the file. You know how sometimes when you try to open a file and the computer kinda freezes for a little bit? "on the tip of my tongue" describes that sensation of the information almost being accessed. With a computer, this could just be a temporary thing, such as your computer needing to spin up the hard drive, or there could be something wrong with the file, and it never opens. Similarly, something "on the tip of my tongue" could mean I need a few extra seconds for my brain's "hard drive" to "spin up" (metaphorically speaking, of course), but it could also be followed with completely failing to remember what I was looking for.
The phrase refers to a moment in which you can't remember. If that moment is followed by you remembering the next moment, then the overall effect is that it takes you longer to remember. If it's not followed by you remembering, then the overall effect is of you not remembering.
It's kinda both. The expression describes the sensation of almost remembering something. If you take a computer as an analogy, it's like you've managed to find the file the word is in, and you've double-clicked to open the file, and now you're waiting for the computer to access that part of the hard drive and open the file. You know how sometimes when you try to open a file and the computer kinda freezes for a little bit? "on the tip of my tongue" describes that sensation of the information almost being accessed. With a computer, this could just be a temporary thing, such as your computer needing to spin up the hard drive, or there could be something wrong with the file, and it never opens. Similarly, something "on the tip of my tongue" could mean I need a few extra seconds for my brain's "hard drive" to "spin up" (metaphorically speaking, of course), but it could also be followed with completely failing to remember what I was looking for.
The phrase refers to a moment in which you can't remember. If that moment is followed by you remembering the next moment, then the overall effect is that it takes you longer to remember. If it's not followed by you remembering, then the overall effect is of you not remembering.
answered May 10 at 20:30
AcccumulationAcccumulation
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3
The answers below are accurate, but it may be useful to know that (certainly in Britain) people sometimes say that a remark was "on the tip of their tongue" when they were about to utter it, but decided not to for some reason.
– Michael Harvey
May 10 at 11:38
1
I think it’s also worth mentioning that in psychology and cognitive science, it’s considered a memory bias: more info on the Wikipedia page.
– Simone
May 10 at 12:36
3
Where did you find the 2nd definition? I don't think I've ever heard anyone use the phrase to mean that.
– Barmar
May 10 at 15:11
@Barmar In this link: idioms.thefreedictionary.com/on+the+tip+of+tongue and the confusion comes from this sentence: John had the answer on the tip of his tongue, but Anne said it first.
– user2824371
May 10 at 15:22