- a knee jerk reaction
- Meaning
An automatic response to something.OriginFrom the tendency of the knee to jerk involuntarily when hit sharply.
Meaning and origin of phrases. 2013.
a knee jerk reaction
Look at other dictionaries:
Knee jerk reaction — an immediate unthinking emotional reaction produced by an event or statement to which the reacting person is highly sensitive; in persons with strong feelings on a topic, it may be very predictable. [PJC] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
knee-jerk reaction — A knee jerk reaction is an instant, instinctive response to a situation … The small dictionary of idiomes
knee-jerk reaction — A knee jerk reaction is an instant, instinctive response to a situation. (Dorking School Dictionary) … English Idioms & idiomatic expressions
knee-jerk reaction — To act without thinking, thoughtless response. ► “Insurance industry leaders must set aside their knee jerk hostility to federal involvement and push Washington for help in covering the catastrophe risks that have driven carriers from hurricane … American business jargon
Knee-jerk reaction — A knee kerk reaction is an instant, instinctive response to a situation … Dictionary of English idioms
knee jerk reaction — n. automatic reaction or response to something; reaction occurring without thought … English contemporary dictionary
knee-jerk — is a popularized technicality taken from the physical meaning ‘a sudden involuntary kick caused by a blow on the tendon just below the knee when the leg is hanging loose’. It is now popular among politicians, broadcasters, etc., especially in the … Modern English usage
knee-jerk — adj [only before noun] a knee jerk reaction, answer etc is what you feel or say about a situation from habit, without thinking about it = ↑automatic ▪ A victim s knee jerk reaction to the crime is often revenge … Dictionary of contemporary English
knee-jerk — knee ,jerk adjective only before noun a knee jerk reaction is immediate and not carefully considered: Calling for longer prison sentences is just a knee jerk reaction to a rise in crime … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
knee-jerk — ¦ ̷ ̷ (ˌ) ̷ ̷ adjective Etymology: knee jerk, noun : readily predictable : automatic knee jerk reactions also : reacting in a readily predictable way knee jerk liberals * * * /nee jerrk / … Useful english dictionary
