bat an eyelid
Betray any emotion
To bat an eyelid is to show even the slightest reaction, particularly surprise or concern.
The phrase appears almost exclusively in the negative: if someone doesn't bat an eyelid, they remain completely unfazed or indifferent to something that might reasonably provoke a response.
She didn't bat an eyelid when told the project was canceled.
The variant bat an eye is more common in American English.
Refusing to show fear
- unflappableImpossible to disturb
- imperturbableIncapable of being upset
- coolheadedCalm when stressed
- unruffledEmotionally undisturbed, placid
poised · collected · steady · self-possessed · calm · composed · serene · placid
Rapid lid movement
- twitchInvoluntary muscular jerk
- flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
- winceReflexive recoil from distress
- flutterRapid light movement
squint · eyelash · lid · expression · microexpression · eye · glance · gaze
Feeling no worry
- dismissiveShowing contemptuous disregard
- blaséUnimpressed through overexposure
- apatheticWithout feeling or concern
- detachedApart or uninvolved
disinterested · nonchalant · insouciant · aloof · unfazed · unimpressed · uncaring · passive
Refusing to show fear
- astonishedGreatly shocked, overwhelmed
- stunnedShocked into speechlessness
- startledAbruptly surprised or alarmed
- flabbergastedOverwhelmed with amazement
gobsmacked · dumbfounded · aghast · thunderstruck · jaw-dropping · wide-eyed · incredulous · astounded
unflinching
Refusing to show fear
- unflappableImpossible to disturb
- imperturbableIncapable of being upset
- coolheadedCalm when stressed
unruffled · poised · collected · steady · self-possessed · calm · composed · serene · placid · stoic
blink
Rapid lid movement
- twitchInvoluntary muscular jerk
- flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
- winceReflexive recoil from distress
flutter · squint · eyelash · lid · expression · microexpression · eye · glance · gaze · stare
unconcerned
Feeling no worry
- dismissiveShowing contemptuous disregard
- blaséUnimpressed through overexposure
- apatheticWithout feeling or concern
detached · disinterested · nonchalant · insouciant · aloof · unfazed · unimpressed · uncaring · passive · unresponsive
unflinching
Refusing to show fear
- astonishedGreatly shocked, overwhelmed
- stunnedShocked into speechlessness
- startledAbruptly surprised or alarmed
flabbergasted · gobsmacked · dumbfounded · aghast · thunderstruck · jaw-dropping · wide-eyed · incredulous · astounded · speechless
bat an eyelidfreak out
React with extreme alarm
have a meltdown · fly off the handle · go ballistic · keep one's cool · lose it
eyes, bats, eyelid, blinking, blinked, batting, eyelids, batted