Quote
1. Quote - Listen to the quote and guess what the slang means.
“When one of us comes up with an absolutely horrible idea, the other person, without batting an eyelash, says, ‘That’s a terrible idea.’”
- Actor Matt Damon talking about his friendship with Ben Affleck. (Us Weekly)
Definition
1. Definition - Study the definition.
not react; not show any emotion or reaction
2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.
A good friend tells you when you’re doing a great job. But a really good friend tells you when you’re not doing so great.
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are really good friends. Not only did they grow up together, but they’ve also worked on movies together. In fact, their first big movie, Good Will Hunting, was a project they both shared.
Matt says that he and Ben are so close, one can tell the other when he has a bad idea without batting an eyelash. He doesn’t need to show lots of emotion or sugarcoat the truth. He doesn’t have to feel nervous about being honest, because he knows that his friend will be able to hear the bad news without batting an eyelash, too.
To bat an eyelash is another way of saying to blink. Blinking is considered a sign of nervousness, fear, or emotion. If you accept criticism or do something difficult without blinking, or without batting an eyelash, you show that you have no fear or emotion. You’re tough. You can handle it.
Have you ever said or done something difficult without batting an eyelash? Do you think best friends should always tell each other the truth without batting an eyelash?
Examples
1. Examples - Hear some example sentences.
“When Jake said he wanted to break up, Sarah didn’t bat an eyelash. She didn’t want him to know how hurt she was.”
“Greg quit his job without batting an eyelash.”
“I can’t believe you just asked your parents for $100 and didn’t even bat an eyelash.”