# as if nothing had happened

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/as-if-nothing-had-happened
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

you use this to describe someone acting normal or calm after something shocking or bad just occurred.

## Examples

- He broke the vase and walked away as if nothing had happened.
- After the argument, she sat down and started reading her book as if nothing had happened.
- Despite the catastrophic failure of the project, the manager returned to the office and resumed his duties as if nothing had happened.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.