# bat one's eyes

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bat-ones-eyes
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To signal or feign by fluttering one's eyelids, as romantic interest.

## Examples

- She bats her eyes at him whenever she wants a favor.
- He thought she was interested in his story, but she was just batting her eyes to get his attention.
- Despite the gravity of the situation, she attempted to manipulate the guard by batting her eyes and feigning complete ignorance of the rules.

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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.