bat an eyelid



bat an eyelid

To display a subtle emotional reaction, such as consternation, annoyance, sadness, joy, etc. Generally used in the negative to denote that the person in question did not display even a hint of an emotional response. Mary didn't even bat an eyelid when I told her I was moving out. That guy is dangerous. I heard he killed a man without batting an eyelid.
See also: bat, eyelid

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
MileyMIE-leeEnglish (Modern)
Roselle-French (Rare)
Takouhi-Armenian
Taffy-Welsh
HrÓArr-Ancient Scandinavian
Rowan['rauən]