What does “Without batting an eye” mean?
"Without batting an eye" means to react or respond to something without showing any sign of surprise or hesitation.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He agreed to the challenge without batting an eye.
Example
She handled the difficult situation without batting an eye.
Example
The experienced actor delivered his lines flawlessly without batting an eye
Is “Without batting an eye” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Without batting an eye” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Without batting an eye” effectively in context?
You can use "Without batting an eye" to describe someone's calm and composed reaction to a surprising or challenging situation. It emphasizes the absence of any visible signs of surprise or hesitation. For example, if someone agrees to do something difficult without showing any hesitation, you might say, 'He agreed to the challenge "without batting an eye".'
- 1Challenge
He agreed to the challenge without batting an eye.
- 2Difficult Situation
She handled the difficult situation without batting an eye.
- 3Performance
The experienced actor delivered his lines flawlessly without batting an eye.
Similar phrases to “Without batting an eye”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Without batting an eye” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Without batting an eye" is unknown.
Is “Without batting an eye” common in everyday conversation?
"Without batting an eye" is a relatively common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe someone's calm and composed reaction to surprising or challenging situations.
What tone does “Without batting an eye” have?
"Without batting an eye" conveys a tone of composure and confidence. It suggests that the person is unfazed by the situation and remains cool under pressure.
Can “Without batting an eye” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Without batting an eye" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a specific type of reaction. You can use it in various contexts, such as casual conversations with friends or more formal situations like presentations or interviews.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
"Without batting an eye" is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She handled the criticism "without batting an eye".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He agreed "without batting an eye"!' to imply a confident and immediate response.