without blinking an eye

Showing no reaction

Without blinking an eye means without hesitation, surprise, or visible reaction—maintaining composure in circumstances that might unsettle others.

The phrase suggests either genuine calm or deliberate concealment of emotion: She agreed to the outrageous price without blinking an eye.

Often implies something remarkable about the person's response, whether admirable steadiness or suspicious indifference: He lied to the investigators without blinking an eye.

Related

nerves of steel · phlegmatic · nerve · imperturbable · unblinking · stoic · steady · decisiveness · composure · nonchalant · impassive · stone cold · cold-blooded · in cold blood · indifferent · unflinching · aloof · effortlessness

Opposites
emotional reaction

without blinking an eyein shock

aghast · horrified · taken aback · recoiling · flinching

hesitation/deliberation

without blinking an eyehaltingly

In an unsteady manner

falteringly · tentatively · reluctantly · waveringly · wavering

Family

without, blink, blinking, blinked, blinks, blinker, blinkers

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G