not move a muscle
not move a muscle
1. To not move at all; to stay completely still. When I looked down and saw the snake, I didn't move a muscle until it slithered past me. Sit still until I come back, do you hear me? Don't move a muscle!
2. To not do anything, especially in a situation when one should help. You didn't even move a muscle when I came in with the groceries. A little help next time. The kids have been glued to the TV all day not moving a muscle.
See also: move, muscle, not
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
not move a muscle
to remain perfectly motionless. Be quiet. Sit there and don't move a muscle. I was so tired I couldn't move a muscle.
See also: move, muscle, not
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
move a muscle
Bestir oneself even slightly. This idiom is usually put negatively, either with implied criticism, as in She won't move a muscle to help get dinner, or not, as in When I saw the deer, I stayed quite still, not daring to move a muscle. It was first recorded in 1889.
See also: move, muscle
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
not move a ˈmuscle
(of a person) stay very still, without moving: The patient didn’t move a muscle for weeks.See also: move, muscle, not
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- move a muscle
- get by
- on the move
- move over
- get a move on
- move down
- not move an inch
- move away from (something)
- move it
- roll over