bat an eye
Betray any emotion
To bat an eye is to show a visible reaction, typically surprise, concern, or disapproval.
The phrase appears almost exclusively in the negative: if someone doesn't bat an eye or didn't bat an eye, they remained completely unfazed or indifferent to something that might normally provoke a response.
She didn't bat an eye when he announced he was quitting.
The bat here refers to the rapid blinking or fluttering of eyelids that accompanies shock or discomfort.
Violent sudden disturbance
- astonishmentIntense sudden wonder
- startleFrighten suddenly
- flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
- reactAnswer a stimulus
blink · gasp · hesitate · wince · double-take · jolt · stagger · recoil
Not stirred physically/emotionally
- unbotheredNot disturbed or concerned
- unconcernedFeeling no worry
- unaffectedNot changed or influenced
- unfazedNot disturbed or disconcerted
nonchalant · blasé · apathetic · dispassionate · detached · aloof · insouciant · cavalier
Refusing to show fear
- unblinkingNot closing one's eyes
- steadyFixed, not fluctuating
- poisedCalm and controlled
- collectedCalm and self-possessed
cool · calm · self-possessed · unruffled · controlled · measured · even-keeled · level-headed
shock
Violent sudden disturbance
- astonishmentIntense sudden wonder
- startleFrighten suddenly
- flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
react · blink · gasp · hesitate · wince · double-take · jolt · stagger · recoil · stunned
unmoved
Not stirred physically/emotionally
- unbotheredNot disturbed or concerned
- unconcernedFeeling no worry
- unaffectedNot changed or influenced
unfazed · nonchalant · blasé · apathetic · dispassionate · detached · aloof · insouciant · cavalier · dismissive
unflinching
Refusing to show fear
- unblinkingNot closing one's eyes
- steadyFixed, not fluctuating
- poisedCalm and controlled
collected · cool · calm · self-possessed · unruffled · controlled · measured · even-keeled · level-headed · unshaken