draw a blank

draw a blank  {v. phr.},  {informal}

1. To obtain nothing in return for an effort made or to get a negative result.

I looked up all the Joneses in the telephone book but I drew a blank every time I asked for Archibald Jones.

2. To fail to remember something.

I am trying to think of the name but I keep drawing a blank.

3. To be consistently unsuccessful at doing something.