not turn a hair
not turn a hair
To show no outward emotion when something bad happens or is announced. I thought he'd be devastated after losing the race, but he didn't turn a hair. You have to give Jane credit. She didn't turn a hair when the customer started shouting in her face.
See also: hair, not, turn
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
turn a hair, not
Not become afraid or upset, remain calm, as in She didn't turn a hair during the bank robbery. This term, also put as without turning a hair, comes from horse racing. After a race, a horse often has roughened, outward-turned hair. Its figurative use, nearly always in the negative, dates from the late 1800s.
See also: not, turn
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
not turn a hair
If you do not turn a hair in an unpleasant or difficult situation, you do not show any sign of being afraid or anxious. She started off by accusing him of blackmail but he didn't turn a hair. Tiane dealt with the situation without turning a hair.
See also: hair, not, turn
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
not turn a hair
remain apparently unmoved or unaffected.See also: hair, not, turn
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
not turn a ˈhair
not show strong emotion like fear, surprise or excitement, when others expect you to: He didn’t turn a hair when the judge gave him a 20-year prison sentence.See also: hair, not, turn
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- turn a hair, not
- turn inside out
- turn some place inside out
- turn something inside out
- turn something inside out/upside down
- turn (something) inside out
- stand out
- choked with emotion
- jab out
- jab (something) out at (someone or something)