flicker of emotion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flicker of emotion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or subtle display of feelings, often in a context where emotions are typically suppressed or not openly expressed. Example: "In his eyes, she saw a flicker of emotion that hinted at the pain he was trying to hide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I'm off," said Sam without a flicker of emotion.

The Guardian

He registers only the tiniest flicker of emotion.

The New York Times

According to court reporter David Young: "Black never betrayed one flicker of emotion.

Independent

Ronaldo drilled in the rebound but there was not a flicker of emotion from him.

The Guardian - Sport

Later in the film, when he is ordered to kill Tashiro, he agrees without betraying the tiniest flicker of emotion.

The New York Times

Stewart celebrates with no more than a wave of the bat and not a flicker of emotion.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

In June, I was sitting next to him in the front row of… One afternoon this spring, Will Guidara, the general manager and co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, a restaurant in Manhattan's Flatiron district, arrived at work limping… On the monitor screen, Tom Hanks's eyes, in extreme closeup, flickered through a complicated sequence of emotions: hatred, fear, anger, doubt.

The New Yorker

Miranda, dressed in black mourning clothes, delivered not a rap but what sounded like a poem; Hamilton's last flickers of thought and emotion were no longer tethered to a beat or a melody.

The New Yorker

The City of London Sinfonia, meanwhile, play it all with flawless virtuosity, exposing every tremulous flicker of colour and emotion.

The Guardian

Initially, his nine dancers seem to function as human building blocks, their language restricted to blind repetition or to flickers of raw emotion, but over 40 minutes the choreography seems to embody man's desperate project towards meaning, as the movement eventually converges into five minutes of climactic, full-bodied dance.

The Guardian

Despite his flair, Mr. Palminteri is never allowed more than a flicker of thought or emotion.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate the phrase to create a sense of mystery or suspense. The subtle hint of emotion can intrigue the reader and prompt them to question the character's motivations and backstory.

Common error

Avoid using "flicker of emotion" when describing characters in intense emotional states. Save it for moments of subtlety, restraint, or internal conflict. In highly emotional scenes, opt for stronger, more descriptive language to convey the character's feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flicker of emotion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence to describe a brief and subtle expression of feeling. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Arts

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flicker of emotion" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as validated by Ludwig, that describes a brief, subtle display of feelings. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Sport, and Art contexts. While not extremely frequent, the phrase is well-understood and adds depth to writing by hinting at concealed emotions. For alternatives, consider "glimpse of emotion" or "trace of emotion". Use the phrase judiciously to create a sense of intrigue, mystery or internal conflict in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passing of emotion

Emphasizes the transient nature of the emotional display.

spark of emotion

Highlights the sudden and brief ignition of feeling.

glimpse of emotion

Focuses on the fleeting nature of the emotional reveal, suggesting it's only partially seen.

glimmer of emotion

Implies a faint and wavering emotional display, barely perceptible.

hint of emotion

Suggests a subtle indication of underlying feelings.

trace of emotion

Emphasizes the minimal and residual nature of the feeling shown.

shadow of emotion

Indicates a veiled or obscured expression of feelings.

suggestion of emotion

Conveys a tentative or indirect display of feelings.

fleeting emotion

Highlights the quick disappearance of the emotion.

momentary feeling

Conveys a temporary state of an emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "flicker of emotion" in a sentence?

You can use "flicker of emotion" to describe a brief or subtle expression of feeling. For example, "Despite his stoic demeanor, a "flicker of emotion" crossed his face when he heard the news."

What are some alternatives to "flicker of emotion"?

Alternatives include "glimmer of emotion", "hint of emotion", or "trace of emotion". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone shows 'no flicker of emotion'?

When someone shows 'no flicker of emotion', it means they are displaying a completely neutral or blank expression, revealing nothing about their internal feelings or thoughts.

Is "flicker of emotion" a formal or informal expression?

"Flicker of emotion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.