{not} [bat] an eye
1
to show no sign of worry or surprise when something unexpected occurs
The idiom "not bat an eye" likely derives from the idea of someone not even making the slightest movement of their eyelids or eyebrows in response to a surprising or shocking situation. It emphasizes the absence of a visible reaction in a person's facial expression, as if they remain entirely unaffected by something. While the exact historical origin of this idiom is not precisely documented, it is now used to describe someone who remains completely composed in a surprising or emotionally charged situation, even when others might expect them to show a reaction.
- In the face of the sudden fire alarm, she didn't bat an eye and calmly directed everyone to the nearest exit.
- She found herself in a strange and unfamiliar place, but she didn't bat an eye and quickly adapted to her surroundings.
- When she made the audacious announcement, not a single person in the room batted an eye.
- As the magician pulled a live rabbit out of the hat, the audience sat in awe, not batting an eye.
- Despite the chaos unfolding around them, the child continued playing with their toys, not batting an eye.