flinch
/flinch/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To make a sudden, small movement because of pain, fear, or surprise; to wince involuntarily.
- To withdraw or shrink back from something difficult, dangerous, or unpleasant.
Usage
- The verb "flinch" describes an instinctive physical reaction or a hesitation in the face of adversity.
- It is often used with the preposition "at" when reacting to a specific stimulus (e.g., flinch at a loud noise) and "from" when withdrawing from a task or responsibility (e.g., flinch from a challenge).
Examples
- Verb:
- He didn't flinch when the doctor gave him the injection.
- She flinched at the sight of the spider.
- A true leader does not flinch from making tough decisions.
Advanced Usage
- "without flinching": Used to describe doing something bravely or without showing any sign of fear or hesitation.
- The soldier stood his ground without flinching.
Variants and Related Words
- Flinchy (adj, informal): Tending to flinch easily; jumpy.
- The flinchy horse was spooked by the wind.
Synonyms
- Wince: To show pain or distress by a slight, involuntary grimace or movement.
- Recoil: To shrink back physically, often in horror, disgust, or fear.
- Shrink: To draw back, as in retreat or avoidance.
- Cringe: To bend one's head and body in fear or apprehension in a servile manner; also implies a reaction of embarrassment or distaste.
Phrasal Verbs / Related Phrases
- Flinch from (something): To hesitate or be unwilling to do something because it is unpleasant or frightening.
- He never flinched from telling the truth, no matter the consequences.
Related Idioms
- Not flinch an eyelid: (Also "not bat an eyelid") To not show any surprise or alarm when something unexpected happens.
- She didn't flinch an eyelid when they told her the shocking news.
Noun
- a reflex response to sudden pain
Verb
- draw back, as with fear or pain
- she flinched when they showed the slaughtering of the calf