slip one's mind
Verb phrase (intransitive) * To be forgotten; to pass out of one's conscious memory or awareness.
This phrase describes the common experience of forgetting something, typically a minor task, piece of information, or intention. It implies the forgetting was unintentional and often sudden. * It is used with a subject (the person who forgets) and the thing forgotten is the implied or stated object. * The phrase is neutral and can be used in formal and informal contexts.
- Simple statement: "I meant to call you yesterday, but it completely slipped my mind."
- With the forgotten item as subject: "The meeting slipped my mind until I saw the calendar reminder."
- Admitting a lapse: "Your name slipped my mind for a moment; I'm so sorry."
- Explaining an omission: "Paying the bill slipped my mind with all the other things going on."
- Emphatic forms: Often used with adverbs like "completely," "totally," or "entirely" for emphasis.
- "I was going to buy milk, but it totally slipped my mind on the way home."
- Hypothetical or general statements: Used to describe a common human experience.
- "It's easy for small details to slip your mind when you're stressed."
- Slip (verb): In this context, it means to move or pass quickly, smoothly, or unnoticed.
- Forget (verb): The direct synonym. "Slip one's mind" is often a softer, more idiomatic way to express this.
- Escape one's memory/notice: A more formal equivalent with a similar meaning.
- "The exact date has escaped my memory."
- Be forgotten
- Escape one's memory
- Go in one ear and out the other (informal, for information not retained)
- Slip one's memory (a less common variant)
- Have a senior moment: (Informal, sometimes humorous) A temporary lapse in memory, often associated with aging.
- "I just put my keys in the fridge—must be having a senior moment."
- Draw a blank: To be unable to remember or think of something.
- "When she asked for his number, I drew a blank."
This phrase specifically refers to the act of forgetting from the perspective of the person whose memory fails. It does not describe the state of being forgotten over a long period. The thing that is forgotten is usually a specific, discrete item or task, not a skill or a person's identity.
- pass out of one's memory