The idiom "bat her eyelashes" refers to the act of a woman blinking her eyes quickly to attract someone's attention or to persuade someone. It represents a non-verbal form of communication, typically associated with flirtation or subtle manipulation.
In short:
"Bat her eyelashes" means a woman is subtly trying to attract attention or persuade someone, often through a flirtatious gesture.
The idiom "bat her eyelashes" conveys that a woman is making a conscious effort to capture someone's attention or persuade them using her eyes. It signifies the use of subtle, non-verbal cues to influence others.
Key aspects of the idiom's meaning include:
The origin of the phrase "bat her eyelashes" is not clear, but it has been in use for several decades. The idiom draws on the universal human behavior of using eye movements as a form of non-verbal communication. It may also be a reference to the way that cats and other animals blink their eyes rapidly when they are trying to be cute or appealing.
"Why couldn't she be as confident as Babs and bat her eyelashes at him?"
- Mystery in the Moonlight, Lynn Patrick, 1986
Here are some instances where this idiom seamlessly fits into sentences:
The use of the idiom extends to various aspects of pop culture, often depicting a character's attempts at persuasion or flirtation.
Some notable examples include:
There are several other ways to express the meaning of the phrase in English.
These alternative phrases include:
You may use these alternatives interchangeably depending on the context and the degree of flirtation or persuasion intended.
This idiom refers to the act of a woman blinking her eyes quickly to attract someone's attention or to persuade someone. It's a non-verbal form of communication often associated with flirtation or subtle manipulation.
The exact origin of the phrase "bat her eyelashes" is not known, but it has been in common use for several decades. The idiom is based on the universal human behavior of using eye movements as a form of non-verbal communication.
Here's an example: "She batted her eyelashes at him, making him instantly agree to her request."
The connotation of "bat her eyelashes" can be either positive or negative, depending on the context. While it often represents a harmless, flirtatious gesture, it can also indicate manipulation when used with certain intentions.
Yes, the phrase "bat her eyelashes" can be used in a formal setting. However, it's more commonly used in informal or casual conversations.
While the phrase is typically used to describe a woman's actions, it can technically be used for anyone blinking their eyes quickly to attract attention or persuade. But it's less common.
This idiom is often used in TV shows, movies, and songs to depict a character's attempts at persuasion or flirtation. Characters may be shown batting their eyelashes to subtly influence others.
While there are no particularly famous quotes that use this idiom, it's frequently used in various forms of literature and media to describe subtle, persuasive behavior.
Some related idioms include "flutter her eyelashes" and "make eyes at," both referring to similar flirtatious or attention-seeking behaviors.
There's no significant difference between these two idioms. Both phrases refer to the act of rapidly blinking to attract attention or persuade someone.
The idiom "bat her eyelashes" illustrates the subtle, non-verbal communication methods used by women to attract attention or to persuade. It signifies that these gestures can sometimes sway people's decisions or perceptions.
Key aspects of the phrase:
Keep in mind that the idiom highlights the influence of subtle gestures and the power of non-verbal communication. It's a reminder that not all communication is verbal, and body language can often convey more than words.
