bat an eye
Meaning
To show any sign of surprise, concern, or reaction; most often used in the negative to mean showing no reaction.
Origin
From the literal sense of “bat” meaning to flutter the eyelids. By extension, even a tiny physical reaction (a blink) stands for any reaction; “not bat an eye” means none at all.
Notes
Usually appears as “not bat an eye” or “without batting an eye.” It stresses calmness or lack of reaction, sometimes implying coldness or indifference. Neutral, common in speech and writing.
Examples
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She didn’t bat an eye when her flight got canceled again.
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He can handle intense criticism without batting an eye.
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The kids bat an eye at nothing these days; they’ve seen it all online.
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I thought the price hike would upset him, but he barely batted an eye.
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If you bat an eye during the magic trick, you’ll miss the reveal.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Most common in negative or quasi-negative frames: “not bat an eye,” “hardly/scarcely bat an eye,” and “without batting an eye.” Verb inflects: bat/batted/batting; objectless.
Synonyms
- not blink
- not flinch
- show no reaction
- keep a straight face
- remain unfazed
Antonyms
- make a fuss
- overreact
- panic
- be shocked