Memory like a leaky Cauldron

The idiom ‘to have a memory like a leaky cauldron’ is a derivation from ‘to have a mind/memory like a sieve’. “A sieve is a utensil with many fine holes. A person accused of having a memory like a sieve is either unable to retain information or is very forgetful.”[1]

            In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Mr Weasley is concerned about the whereabouts of a witch called Bertha Jorkings who has gone missing. He, therefore, asks her Head of Department Ludo Bagman whether they have found her yet. Bagman responds: “‘[…] she’ll turn up. Poor old Berthy … memory like a leaky cauldron and no sense of direction.’”[2] This indicates her inclination to forget important information. Instead of comparing the memory to a sieve wizards chose to compare it to a leaky cauldron. Cauldrons are still often used devices within the wizarding community mostly used for potion-making. The leaky cauldron refers to Bertha’s head which is no longer able to retain the liquid meaning the memory.

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[1] "Have a Memory like a Sieve." English Daily. Web. 19.03.2015. <http://www.englishdaily626.com/idioms.php?013#Have a memory like a sieve>.

[2] Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. London: Bloomsbury, 2000, p.102.