Pronunciation: [dɹˈuː blˈaŋk] (IPA) 
The phrase "drew blank" is commonly used to describe a failure to recall or produce something from memory. It is spelled /dru blæŋk/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the first syllable of "blank". The "drew" is pronounced with a d sound followed by a r sound, making it a consonant cluster. The "blank" is pronounced with a long a sound, followed by a n sound and a k sound, making it end abruptly.
"Drew blank" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where a person fails to recollect, retrieve or produce the desired information, answer, or solution, resulting in a state of mental or intellectual inability. It conveys the notion of coming up empty-handed or experiencing a momentary inability to find the required knowledge or make a connection. The term "drew" in this context illustrates the act of attempting to access or extract relevant information or ideas, while "blank" signifies a void or absence of any meaningful response or outcome.
This phrase often pertains to situations where one is asked a question, expected to recall facts, or find a solution to a problem but fails to do so. It implies a state of mental block or temporary memory lapse, where one's mind becomes momentarily incapable of providing the necessary information or responses. It can be associated with feelings of frustration, confusion, or self-doubt arising from the inability to provide a satisfactory answer.
The expression can be used in various contexts; for instance, when an individual fails to remember a particular event, a name, a fact, or when someone attempts to solve a puzzle but cannot come up with a solution. In most cases, the phrase "drew blank" is used to acknowledge the inability to recall or access desired information temporarily, without necessarily implying a long-term memory issue or intellectual deficiency.
The phrase "drew blank" is derived from the game of drawing cards from a deck. In card games such as poker, players draw cards from a deck in the hope of obtaining a desirable hand. However, sometimes a player may draw a card that does not contribute to their winning combination. This card is often referred to as a "blank" or a useless card.
Over time, the term "drew blank" has gained a metaphorical sense and is used to describe a situation where someone's attempt to find or recall something turns out to be unsuccessful or unproductive. It signifies a failure to achieve the desired outcome or a lack of success in a particular endeavor.
