Not to bat an eye
Meaning
To show no sign of surprise, fear, or emotion, remaining completely unfazed.
Origin
The phrase "to not bat an eye" captures a moment of stark composure, drawing its power from the most basic human reflex: the blink. When startled or surprised, our eyes instinctively "bat" or flicker shut and open again. To not bat an eye, then, is to defy this natural, involuntary reaction, presenting a face of impenetrable calm. This vivid image of unyielding steadiness, where even the eyelids remain perfectly still, cemented itself in the English lexicon by the 19th century, becoming a powerful shorthand for someone completely unfazed, utterly indifferent, or incredibly stoic in the face of shock, fear, or provocation.
Examples
- Despite the sudden loud noise, she did not bat an eye and continued her work with unwavering focus.
- The politician heard the scathing criticism from the opposition but did not bat an eye, maintaining a calm demeanor throughout the press conference.