knee-jerk reaction
Meaning
An automatic, quick reaction made without careful thought; often impulsive or habitual.
Origin
From the medical βknee-jerkβ reflex (patellar reflex), where a tap below the knee makes the leg kick involuntarily; metaphorically applied to unthinking responses.
Notes
Often mildly critical: it implies an unthinking, reflexive response rather than a considered decision. Common in politics, business, and commentary.
Examples
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His knee-jerk reaction was to blame his assistant, but later he realized it was his mistake.
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The company issued a knee-jerk reaction to the criticism and walked it back the next day.
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Try not to have a knee-jerk reaction when you read that email; take a minute to cool down.
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Banning phones outright is a knee-jerk reaction that ignores why students use them.
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Her knee-jerk reaction to any change is to say no, even before hearing the plan.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually a noun phrase: βa knee-jerk reaction (to X).β Also used attributively: βa knee-jerk response,β βknee-jerk opposition.β Hyphenated as an adjective (knee-jerk).
Synonyms
- reflex reaction
- automatic response
- impulsive reaction
- snap reaction
Antonyms
- considered response
- measured response
- thoughtful decision