Pronunciation: [dɹˈɔː blˈaŋk] (IPA) 
The phrase "draw blank" means to find nothing or have no luck in a situation. The spelling of "draw" is straightforward, with the /d/ sound at the beginning and the /r/ sound in the middle. The pronunciation of "blank" is a little more complex, with the /b/ sound at the beginning, the long /a/ sound in the middle, and the nasalized /ŋk/ sound at the end. The IPA phonetic transcription of "draw blank" is /drɔ blæŋk/.
The phrase "draw blank" is an idiomatic expression that typically refers to a situation when a person's attempt to recall or obtain information or answers proves fruitless or unsuccessful. It often describes the feeling or result when someone is unable to come up with the desired answer or solution to a problem.
The term "draw" in this context suggests the act of attempting to retrieve information or ideas from one's memory or resources. It implies making an effort to access certain knowledge or resources in order to find a solution or an answer.
On the other hand, "blank" refers to the absence or lack of the expected or desired information, answer, or result. It signifies a state of emptiness or a lack of clarity or understanding.
When someone "draws a blank," it indicates that their search or attempt to retrieve information or answers from their memory or available resources has been unsuccessful. They are unable to recall or find the information or answer they were searching for.
Overall, "draw blank" refers to the act or outcome of being unable to remember or obtain the desired information or answers, resulting in a sense of emptiness, frustration, or lack of understanding.
The phrase "draw a blank" is an idiomatic expression which originated in the early 19th century. The word "blank" itself derives from the Old French word "blanc", meaning "white". In Medieval times, "blanc" was used to refer to an unmarked or empty space, such as a blank page. Over time, "blank" came to also symbolize a lack of substance, idea, or result.
The verb "draw" in this context means to obtain or elicit something. Therefore, when one "draws a blank", it means they are unable to obtain or gain anything; their attempt is unsuccessful or unproductive. The phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone is unable to recall or find information, solve a problem, or achieve the desired outcome.
