without a blink

USAGE SUMMARY

"without a blink" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: She answered the difficult question without a blink.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Yes," he replies without a blink.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Metheny - a gifted improviser - slotted into Coleman's band without a blink.

The Guardian - Music

She switches from in-studio to outside broadcasts without a blink; her interviews are excellent.

The Guardian

By contrast, "Gilmore Girls" arrived on the air without a blink.

The New York Times - Arts

He handed a mesh sack of papers to a correction officer, then waited without a blink of impatience.

The New York Times

"We are the modern, compassionate Conservative party", Cameron averred without a blink, as if the bedroom tax never happened.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Get this: You can even snap a full-resolution still photo while you're recording video, without leaving a blink or a gap in the movie.

The New York Times - Tech

"It is difficult to believe," says Richard, "I could have walked through it - the cameras, the uniforms, the black crowds sprinkled over Mount Cataract like ants in a sugar bowl - without incurring a blink of suspicion".

The Guardian - Books

"Ball-goers", the Herald Sun called them, without even a blink.

Vice

Thus, the trailer for Tokyo Reverse, a clip from a 9-hour movie by Simon Bouisson and Ludovic Zuili that follows the latter dude walking backwards through Japan for, well, 9 hours, kept my eyes hooked for five minutes without a single blink (Not. A. Single. Blink).

Vice

For a vanity project that might apply for a place in the Guinness World Records, 70 million was thrown in without so much as a blink of the eye".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without a blink" to describe someone's immediate and unemotional reaction, especially when facing surprising or difficult situations. For example, "She accepted the challenge without a blink."

Common error

Avoid using "without a blink" when the situation calls for an active or thoughtful response. The phrase implies a lack of emotional reaction, which can be inappropriate if empathy or engagement is expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without a blink" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Lifestyle

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without a blink" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the immediacy and lack of hesitation or emotion in a response. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "without hesitation" or "without batting an eye" exist, "without a blink" provides a specific nuance, emphasizing the absence of visible reaction. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended tone and context, avoiding situations where a more engaged response is expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without hesitation

Emphasizes the immediate and decisive nature of an action, focusing on the lack of pause before it.

without a second thought

Highlights the spontaneity of a decision, suggesting it was made instinctively.

without batting an eye

A more figurative way of saying "without a blink", implying composure in the face of something surprising or shocking.

without flinching

Indicates resilience or steadfastness in a difficult situation, emphasizing the lack of physical reaction.

without demur

Implies compliance or agreement without objection, focusing on the absence of resistance.

stoically

Implies the absence of showing sentiments.

impassively

Indicates an absence of emotion or reaction, suggesting a detached demeanor.

unmoved

Emphasizes that someone is not emotionally affected by a situation.

without any reaction

A general phrase indicating a lack of response to an event or statement.

without the slightest concern

Implies lack of caring.

FAQs

How can I use "without a blink" in a sentence?

Use "without a blink" to describe a reaction or action performed immediately and without hesitation, often in the face of something unexpected or challenging. For instance, "He agreed to the terms "without a blink"."

What's a similar expression to "without a blink"?

Alternatives include "without hesitation", "without batting an eye", or "without a second thought". These phrases also convey a lack of pause or consideration.

Is it correct to say "without a blink of an eye"?

While similar in meaning, "without a blink" is more concise and commonly used. "Without blinking an eye" is also correct and widely understood.

What's the difference between "without a blink" and "without a second thought"?

"Without a blink" emphasizes the lack of visible reaction or emotional response, while "without a second thought" highlights the lack of deliberation or consideration before acting. The phrase "without a second thought" suggests a more impulsive decision.