raise eyebrows
Cause visible doubt
To raise eyebrows is to cause surprise, skepticism, or mild disapproval.
The phrase comes from the facial expression people make when startled or dubious.
Something that raises eyebrows attracts attention for being unexpected or questionable: Her resignation raised eyebrows throughout the department.
A single raised eyebrow often signals skepticism; both raised suggests surprise.
Lack of firm belief
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- suspicionSense of unease about motives
- incredulityInability to accept something
distrust · skeptical · quizzical · wary · leery · hesitant · dismissive · dubious
Disapproving facial expression
- scornHostile dismissive feeling
- judgmentReasoned decision-making capacity
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
dismay · offense · indignation · tutting · side-eye · sniff · pearl-clutching · harrumph
Intense sudden wonder
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- bewildermentState of being baffled
- stunnedShocked into speechlessness
startled · flabbergasted · dumbfounded · gobsmacked · thunderstruck · awe · wide-eyed · taken aback
Prolonged public disagreement
- gossipInformal talk spreading rumors
- uproarNoisy public disturbance
- notorietyFame from misdeeds
- outrageFierce moral indignation
impropriety · indiscretion · tabloid · rumor · tongues wagging · stir · sensation · furor
doubt
Lack of firm belief
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- suspicionSense of unease about motives
incredulity · distrust · skeptical · quizzical · wary · leery · hesitant · dismissive · dubious · unconvinced
frown
Disapproving facial expression
- scornHostile dismissive feeling
- judgmentReasoned decision-making capacity
- reproachExpression of disappointment
censure · dismay · offense · indignation · tutting · side-eye · sniff · pearl-clutching · harrumph · disdain
astonishment
Intense sudden wonder
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- bewildermentState of being baffled
stunned · startled · flabbergasted · dumbfounded · gobsmacked · thunderstruck · awe · wide-eyed · taken aback · double-take
controversy
Prolonged public disagreement
outrage · impropriety · indiscretion · tabloid · rumor · tongues wagging · stir · sensation · furor · whispers
- Cause a stirmake waves, rock the boat, stir the pot, ruffle feathers, shake things up
- disapprovaldisapproval, scowl, disapprove, disapproves, frown