blink
C1Neutral to Informal
Definition
Meaning
To open and close one's eyes very quickly; to flash briefly.
To ignore or refuse to acknowledge something; to hesitate or show surprise or doubt; to operate with intermittent flashes (e.g., a light).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies rapid, involuntary action. Can denote a very short interval of time ('in the blink of an eye'). Used figuratively for willful ignorance ('to blink at the facts') or hesitation ('he didn't blink during the negotiations').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. The idiom 'on the blink' (malfunctioning) is slightly more common in AmE but understood in BrE. The verb is used identically.
Connotations
In both, 'blink' can imply weakness or yielding in a confrontation. The phrase 'blink first' is common.
Frequency
Equally common and neutral in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
(S) + blink (Vi)(S) + blink + (back tears/surprise/etc.) (Vt)(S) + not blink + at + something (V)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the blink”
- “in the blink of an eye”
- “not blink an eye”
- “blink first”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'We didn't blink during the merger talks.' (Meaning: we didn't show hesitation or weakness.)
Academic
Rare; might appear in literary analysis or psychology texts describing reaction times.
Everyday
Very common: 'She blinked in the bright sunlight.' / 'My router is on the blink again.'
Technical
Used in computing/electronics for a cursor or LED; in ophthalmology for the reflex.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The tired driver had to blink repeatedly to stay focused on the motorway.
- You can't just blink at the regulations; you must follow them.
- The alarm light will blink if the battery is low.
American English
- She didn't even blink when she heard the outrageous price.
- I blinked away a bit of dust from my eye.
- The router's lights are blinking, so it should be working.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form. 'Blinkingly' is extremely rare and non-idiomatic.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- 'Blink' as an adjective is archaic/non-standard. The participial adjective 'blinking' is a mild British minced oath (e.g., 'Where's the blinking remote?').
American English
- Not used as a standard adjective. The term 'blink comparator' is a technical term in astronomy for a device that 'blinks' between images.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby blinks when the light is bright.
- I blinked many times in the strong wind.
- He blinked in surprise when he saw his old friend.
- In the blink of an eye, the bird flew away.
- She managed to blink back her tears during the sad film.
- The negotiator didn't blink, even under extreme pressure.
- The government's decision to blink in the face of the protest led to further demands.
- His conviction never wavered; he didn't so much as blink at the daunting challenge.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BLINK-182' the band — their name suggests speed and a quick moment.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MOVING OBJECT / CHANGE IS QUICK: 'It happened in the blink of an eye.' IGNORANCE IS BLINDNESS: 'He blinked at the evidence.'
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'мигать' (to wink/flirt) which has a different social connotation. 'Blink' is purely physiological or metaphorical for hesitation. The Russian 'моргать' is the direct equivalent for the basic eye action.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'blink' instead of 'wink' (which is deliberate, often social). Saying 'blink your eye' (redundant; just 'blink').
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'not blink an eye' primarily express?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'blink' is a rapid, usually involuntary closing and opening of both eyes. A 'wink' is a deliberate closing and opening of one eye, often used to signal a shared secret, flirt, or joke.
It is a regular verb. Its past simple and past participle forms are 'blinked'.
Yes. Lights, cursors, and indicators can 'blink' (flash on and off intermittently). Figuratively, a person or organization can 'blink' in a confrontation, meaning they yield or show hesitation.
It is an informal idiom meaning 'not working properly' or 'malfunctioning', typically used for machines and electronic devices (e.g., 'The washing machine is on the blink').