without batting an eyelid
Showing no reaction
To do something without batting an eyelid is to show no visible reaction—no surprise, shock, or hesitation: She heard the news and didn't bat an eyelid.
The image is of eyelids that don't even flutter.
The phrase often implies composure in the face of something that would normally provoke a response: He lied to the police without batting an eyelid.
Also *without batting an eye*.
- unflappableImpossible to disturb
- phlegmaticUnemotionally calm, slow-reacting
- impassiveWithout visible emotion
- poker faceIntentionally expressionless look
- stoicUncomplaining endurer of hardship
keeping a straight face · nonchalant · unmoved · indifferent · unblinkingly · imperturbable · unshaken · composed · stiff upper lip · unaffected · deadpan · coolheaded · unflinching · nerves of steel · steady-handed · calm · even keel · expressionless
without batting an eyelidrecoiling
Jerking backward in reaction
flinching · wide-eyed · taken aback · blanching · going pale
without batting an eyelidbalking
Refusing to proceed
squirming · wincing · cringing · protesting · objecting
without batting an eyelidwearing one's heart on one's sleeve
Displaying emotions openly