without batting an eye

USAGE SUMMARY

"without batting an eye" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to react calmly and without showing any surprise or emotion. It can be used in various situations to describe someone's behavior or reaction. Example: The CEO announced that the company would be laying off half of its employees, but John continued working without batting an eye.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scientists will "talk about breast cancer without batting an eye.

The New Yorker

Without batting an eye, he said, "Low fat?

The New York Times

When he granted my request without batting an eye I was taken aback.

Harvard Business Review

The server came by and picked up the empty bowl without batting an eye.

The New York Times - Food

She'll tell you without batting an eye that she never married her daughter's father.

The New York Times

He talks like one, too, rattling off terms like "computational fluid dynamics" without batting an eye.

The New York Times

Candace Bushnell, on the other hand, would toss you overboard without batting an eye.

The New York Times - Books

And some of the local customers, Mr. Mueller says, regularly drink $400 bottles of wine without batting an eye.

The New York Times - Travel

Homeowners who exterminate rats and mice without batting an eye are sometimes reluctant to kill animals like squirrels and raccoons.

The New York Times

But ask me about his favorite Adam Sandler movie, and I will answer without batting an eye.

The New York Times

You add an aerial ladder and you're talking $400,000 to $500,000 without batting an eye".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without batting an eye" to emphasize a lack of emotional reaction or surprise in situations where others might expect a strong response. This can highlight a character's composure, indifference, or unusual perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "without batting an eye" when you simply mean someone acted quickly. The phrase specifically implies a lack of emotional reaction, not just speed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without batting an eye" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. It indicates that the action is done calmly and without any visible emotional reaction. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without batting an eye" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe a calm or indifferent reaction to something surprising or shocking. According to Ludwig AI, it signifies reacting calmly and without showing surprise or emotion. It appears most frequently in News & Media, but also in Academia, Formal & Business, Science, Encyclopedias and Wiki contexts. When writing, use it to emphasize a lack of emotional response where one might be expected. Alternatives include "without hesitation" and "matter-of-factly". Remember, the phrase is about emotional neutrality, not just speed or efficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without showing surprise

Focuses specifically on the absence of a surprised reaction.

without any hesitation

Highlights the lack of delay or doubt in a response or action.

without a second thought

Emphasizes a decision made quickly and decisively.

matter-of-factly

Describes a way of speaking or acting as if something is simply a fact, without emotion.

calmly and coolly

Indicates a composed and collected demeanor in the face of something potentially upsetting.

in a nonchalant manner

Suggests a relaxed and indifferent attitude.

with composure

Highlights maintaining a state of calmness and self-control.

without flinching

Indicates a lack of physical reaction to something startling or unpleasant.

as if it were nothing

Emphasizes the insignificance someone attributes to an event or situation.

with stoicism

Highlights enduring hardship without showing feelings or complaining.

FAQs

How can I use "without batting an eye" in a sentence?

Use "without batting an eye" to describe someone's calm or indifferent reaction to something surprising or shocking. For example, "He accepted the demotion "without batting an eye"."

What does it mean to do something "without batting an eye"?

It means to do something without showing any surprise, shock, or concern. It suggests a sense of composure or indifference in the face of something that might typically elicit a strong emotional response.

Are there any synonyms for "without batting an eye"?

Yes, some synonyms include "without hesitation", "matter-of-factly", and "calmly and coolly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more common to say "without batting an eye" or "without batting an eyelid"?

"Without batting an eye" is more common than "without batting an eyelid", although both phrases carry essentially the same meaning. The former is generally preferred in contemporary usage.