raised eyebrows

USAGE SUMMARY

"raised eyebrows" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express disbelief, skepticism, or surprise at something. For example, "The CEO's extravagant spending raised eyebrows among shareholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It raised eyebrows, too.

The New York Times

• The phrasing raised eyebrows.

The New York Times

The timing raised eyebrows.

The New York Times

This immediately raised eyebrows.

The Guardian - Sport

Colbeck's relegation raised eyebrows.

The Guardian

Lib Dems raised eyebrows.

The Guardian

That raised eyebrows in Hollywood.

The New Yorker

Such princely rewards raised eyebrows.

The New York Times

The voluntary demotion raised eyebrows.

The Guardian

Other details also raised eyebrows.

The Guardian - Sport

His private life raised eyebrows.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "raised eyebrows" to subtly convey surprise, disbelief, or disapproval without being overly critical or judgmental. It's effective for implying a reaction without explicitly stating it.

Common error

Avoid using "raised eyebrows" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or direct language is required. While widely understood, it might be perceived as too informal for certain contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raised eyebrows" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence to describe a reaction of surprise, skepticism, or mild disapproval. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raised eyebrows" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to convey surprise, skepticism, or mild disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, the phrase serves to subtly imply a reaction without direct judgment. While its neutral register makes it widely applicable, avoiding it in highly formal settings is advisable. Related phrases include "sparked curiosity" and "aroused suspicion", each with slightly different connotations. When writing, remember to use "raised eyebrows" to imply, not to accuse, and be mindful of the level of formality required by the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

met with skepticism

Highlights a questioning or doubting attitude.

prompted disbelief

Stresses the lack of conviction or acceptance.

occasioned doubt

Highlights the feeling of uncertainty or mistrust.

caused surprise

Emphasizes the feeling of astonishment or unexpectedness.

aroused suspicion

Highlights the element of doubt or distrust.

generated concern

Highlights the feeling of worry or unease.

sparked curiosity

Focuses on generating interest or inquiry, rather than disapproval.

stirred controversy

Emphasizes the element of public debate or disagreement.

drew criticism

Focuses on negative feedback or disapproval.

invited questions

Focuses on prompting inquiries or investigations.

FAQs

How can I use "raised eyebrows" in a sentence?

You can use "raised eyebrows" to indicate surprise, skepticism, or disapproval. For example, "The politician's sudden change of stance "raised eyebrows" among his supporters".

What's a less common way to say "raised eyebrows"?

Alternatives to "raised eyebrows" include phrases like "prompted disbelief", "stirred controversy", or "invited questions", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "raised eyebrows" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "raised eyebrows" might be considered too informal for academic or highly professional contexts. Consider using more direct or precise language depending on the tone and audience.

What does it mean when something "raised eyebrows"?

When something "raised eyebrows", it means that the action or statement caused surprise, skepticism, or mild disapproval among observers. It suggests that something was unexpected or questionable.