without blinking an eyelid
Showing no reaction
Without blinking an eyelid means showing no visible reaction to something surprising, disturbing, or outrageous—maintaining complete composure where others might flinch or hesitate.
The image is of someone so unperturbed that even the involuntary reflex of blinking doesn't occur: She heard the asking price and agreed without blinking an eyelid.
Often shortened to without blinking.
- unfazedNot disturbed or disconcerted
- blitheCheerfully indifferent
- sangfroidImperturbable calm
- poker-facedShowing no emotion
- insouciantCarefree and unconcerned
stoic · composed · placid · imperturbable · stone-faced · nonchalant · cool as a cucumber · unflappable · deadpan · aplomb · unmoved · stiff upper lip · keep calm · tranquil · matter-of-factly · detached · steady · serenity
without blinking an eyelidfalling apart
Gradually breaking into pieces
breaking down · flinching · recoiling · blanching · gasping
without blinking an eyelidhesitating
Pausing with doubt
pausing · wavering · faltering · dithering · second-guessing
without blinking an eyelidin shock
jaw-dropping · gasping · slack-jawed · aghast · dumbstruck
without, blink, eyelid, blinking, blinks, blinked, blinker, blinkers, eye