memory like a sieve
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Synonym of mind like a sieve.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Charming woman, but with a memory like a sieve. The sort who's always losing one glove at the theatre. Naturally she wouldn't remember a butler's name. She probably thought all along it was Fotheringay or Binks or something. Very common, that sort of mental lapse.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “memory like a sieve” mean?
Synonym of mind like a sieve.
Is “memory like a sieve” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.