bat an eyelid

bat an eyelid

To display a subtle emotional reaction, such as consternation, annoyance, sadness, joy, etc. Generally used in the negative to denote that the person in question did not display even a hint of an emotional response. Mary didn't even bat an eyelid when I told her I was moving out. That guy is dangerous. I heard he killed a man without batting an eyelid.
See also: bat, eyelid

not bat an eyelid

To not display even a hint of an emotional response, such as consternation, annoyance, sadness, joy, etc. Mary didn't even bat an eyelid when I told her I was moving out. That guy is dangerous. I heard he killed a man without batting an eyelid.
See also: bat, eyelid, not
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

not bat an eyelid

 and not bat an eye
Fig. to show no signs of distress even when something bad happens or something shocking is said. Sam didn't bat an eyelid when the mechanic told him how much the car repairs would cost. The pain of the broken arm must have hurt Sally terribly, but she did not bat an eyelid.
See also: bat, eyelid, not
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

not bat an eyelid

or

not bat an eyelash

mainly BRITISH
COMMON If someone does not bat an eyelid or does not bat an eyelash when something happens, they do not appear at all shocked or surprised by it. Even when told that a room in the hotel cost £235 per night, he didn't bat an eyelid. I thought Sarah would be embarrassed but she didn't bat an eyelid. This place could have burned to the ground, and he wouldn't have batted an eyelash. Note: You can also say that someone does something without batting an eyelid or without batting an eyelash. Mum would cater for a hundred people without batting an eyelid. Note: The usual American expression is not bat an eye.
See also: bat, eyelid, not
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

not bat an eyelid (or eye)

show no emotional or other reaction. informal
Bat in this sense is perhaps a dialect and US variant of the verb bate meaning ‘lower or let down’. The variant not blink an eye is also found.
1997 James Ryan Dismantling Mr Doyle She did not bat an eyelid when Eve spelled out the unorthodox details of the accommodation they required.
See also: bat, eyelid, not
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

not bat an ˈeyelid

(British English) (American English not bat an ˈeye) (informal) not seem surprised, worried, afraid, etc: She didn’t bat an eyelid when they told her she’d lost her job. She just calmly walked out.
See also: bat, eyelid, not
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • bat an eye
  • bat an eyelash
  • eyelid
  • not bat an eyelash
  • not bat an eyelid
  • not bat an eye
  • What was (one) smoking?
  • screw up (one's) face
  • geez
  • geeze
References in periodicals archive
One person said on Twitter: "The biggest lie ever: Wes: I didn't bat an eyelid when you said about looking for a husband.
Love Island's Laura Anderson admits she's on hunt for a husband - and Wes looks petrified; Cabin crew worker Anderson, 29, opened up about wanting to find Mr Right as she and Nelson, 20, discussed the age gap between them
No Difference to Me I COULDN'T care less What colour's your skin I'm completely non-plussed If you're a her or a him I'm not bothered the slightest Your god or your faith I won't lose sleep If you're reckless or safe I won't bat an eyelid If you're straight, bi or gay I'm not going to worry If you're rich or can't pay I won't panic From the clothes that you wear My heartbeat won't hasten I simply don't care What bothers me most And fills me with fury Are bigots who think They're judge and jury Their ignorance shows A weakness to me To let you decide Whatever you'll be by John Bostock, via email
Your Poem
"It's a difficult thing to do because if they cut you open you could be 3-0 down before you bat an eyelid."
ANDERLECHT SHOWED US THE GAMEPLAN
Bystanders failed to bat an eyelid at the daylight theft as people assumed they were going about their work.
THE 3MPH GETAWAY; brazen thieves dressed as workmen drive off with PS25,000 mini digger
But when I turned up with my walking stick after injuring my foot, he didn't bat an eyelid. He said: "Don't worry John.
It's great to see how [...]
In other romantic news, Leanne has gone public with her relationship with Kal, and doesn't bat an eyelid when Nick announces that he's divorcing her.
WE LOVE SOAPS
I met up with my good friend Josie Jeffries who was doing her seed-bomb workshops - www.seedfreedom.net - and was also introduced to the art of felting with Cassandra Lishman - www.livelightly.co.uk Most people made a felt flower brooch or a little felt bag but I wanted to make a gnome and fair play, Cassie didn't bat an eyelid. I was completely enthralled by the whole process of dry felting and the therapeutic journey of turning sheep's wool into a little gnome (or any shape you choose really).
Gnome was built in a day
BRAVE Celina-Jayne Boxall, aged just five, did not bat an eyelid when a thug broke into her home and punched her mum.
THE 999 GIRL WHO SAVED THE DAY...TWICE; Brave five-year-old calls cops as burglar attacks mum
"Nobody will bat an eyelid if we win but, by God, they'll bat eyelids if we don't."
Gone with the wind
Pity he was 'persuaded'' to enter politics 'officially'' though - the fuel prices are escallating rapidly far beyon reason and no one seems to bat an eyelid!
Get well Brynle; LETTERS
"Because they were dressed in costume, they thought no one would bat an eyelid but security were too good," source added.
Two punters try sneaking into Depp's trailer on 'Pirates' set
No one would bat an eyelid if a man became a father at that age.
Lizzie too old?
Alex McLeish could rest on his laurels as a national hero, say he's concentrating on the Italy game and nothing else and we wouldn't bat an eyelid. It's all we expect of him.
Gaffer does Eck-tra time
The players didn't bat an eyelid when conductor Gabriel Chmura lost control of his baton and sent it flying towards the wind section.
Passionate opener for promising season; WHAT'S ON: Classical Review
You could throw a brick at Terry's head and he wouldn't bat an eyelid. At Carrow Road on Saturday he threw himself at the ball and ended up getting volleyed squarely in the face by a Norwich striker.
Sport on TV; Pick of the day: Chelsea v Barcelona