without a flicker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without a flicker" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something happens without any hesitation, doubt, or visible sign of emotion. Example: "She accepted the challenge without a flicker of fear, showing her determination to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

In his essay, Brand acknowledges the hypocrisy of having "without a flicker of self-awareness palmed off my shopping bags jammed with consumer treats and headed for the throng" of a Reclaim the Streets march that developed into a riot.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The Guardian

"To the depth of his subconscious," replied Berners without a flicker.

The Guardian - Music

"She's a butterfly in the day, and a showgirl at night," said a press attaché, without a flicker of irony.

Independent

It tastes like melted butter, no more, no less, without a flicker of the black tea at its heart.

The New York Times - Food

Result: Ranj started off well, correctly identifying the mutton curry, ploughing through the chicken without a flicker of doubt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

No high-street boozer is complete without a flickering telescreen behind the bar, broadcasting a constant dribble of Sky Sports, Sky News and pointless FTSE figures.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Imagine a humanitarian crisis that came and went without eliciting a flicker of video, not a second of audio, not a single news story, not a lone blog post.

The New York Times

In addition to the usual record and play-back features, digital video recorders can pause live programmes and, in a flash, skip past commercials without even a flicker of them appearing on the screen.

The Economist

This, however, is the first time I can recall the guy in the background being so oblivious to good etiquette that he tells the world without even a flicker of self‑awareness.

The Guardian - Sport

Just as quickly, the water flows out again without producing even a flicker of light, because the turbine is not connected to the generator sitting beside it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without a flicker" to emphasize a strong sense of composure or lack of emotional response, particularly when describing reactions to intense or surprising situations. It adds depth to character descriptions and highlights the unexpected nature of their response.

Common error

Avoid using "without a flicker" to describe situations where some level of emotional response is naturally expected. Overusing it can make characters appear robotic or unrealistic, diminishing the impact of their actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without a flicker" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, typically describing how an action is performed or a statement is made. It modifies verbs to indicate the absence of any visible emotional response or hesitation, adding detail about the manner of the action. Ludwig AI indicates that this expression is acceptable and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Lifestyle

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without a flicker" is a common adverbial phrase used to describe the absence of visible emotion or hesitation. Ludwig AI indicates that the expression is acceptable. Predominantly found in news and media, it adds detail to character descriptions and highlights the unexpected nature of a response. When using this phrase, consider its impact on portraying characters as either composed or detached, and avoid overuse in contexts where emotional reactions are expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without any hesitation

Emphasizes the immediate and decisive nature of an action, focusing on the absence of delay.

without a hint of emotion

Highlights the absence of any emotional display, focusing on feelings.

without the slightest wavering

Stresses the firmness and resoluteness of an action or decision, focusing on the absence of doubt.

without a shade of doubt

Focuses on the certainty and conviction behind a statement or action.

without even batting an eye

Suggests a calm and unperturbed reaction to something surprising or shocking.

with unwavering resolve

Highlights the steadfast and determined nature of a person's actions.

displaying no emotion whatsoever

Emphasizes a complete lack of emotional expression in behavior.

remaining completely impassive

Focuses on the unchanging and neutral expression of a person, avoiding any expression of opinion.

with total composure

Highlights the calm and self-controlled manner in which someone behaves, especially in a stressful situation.

betraying no sign of feeling

Focuses on the absence of any outward indication of emotion.

FAQs

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

You can use "without a flicker" to describe a lack of visible emotion or hesitation in a person's reaction. For example: "She delivered the bad news "without a flicker", maintaining her professional demeanor."

What can I say instead of "without a flicker"?

You can use alternatives like "without any hesitation", "without a hint of emotion", or "without the slightest wavering", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "without a flicker of emotion" or "without any flicker of emotion"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Without a flicker of emotion" is more common and concise, while "without any flicker of emotion" adds emphasis.

What's the difference between "without a flicker" and "with total composure"?

"Without a flicker" emphasizes the lack of visible emotional response, whereas "with total composure" highlights the control and calmness displayed in a situation. The former focuses on what is absent, while the latter focuses on what is present.