on the tip of tongue

on the tip of (one's) tongue

Almost able to be recalled. Her name is on the tip of my tongue. Just give me a minute, I'll remember it. I had the answer on the tip of my tongue, but couldn't think of it in time.
See also: of, on, tip, tongue
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*on the tip of one's tongue

Fig. [of a thought or idea] about to be said or almost remembered. (*Typically: be ~; have something ~.) I have his name right on the tip of my tongue. I'll think of it in a second. John had the answer on the tip of his tongue, but Anne said it first.
See also: of, on, tip, tongue
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

on the tip of (one's) tongue

On the verge of being recalled or expressed.
See also: of, on, tip, tongue
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • on the tip of (one's) tongue
  • on the tip of one's tongue
  • on the tip of your tongue
  • be on the tip of (one's) tongue
  • be on the tip of your tongue
  • tip
  • give tongue
  • get stiffed, to
  • tip (one) the wink
  • tip somebody the wink