blink

blink at something 

1. Lit. to open and close the eyelids quickly, one or more times. I blinked at the bright light and finally had to close my eyes. Don't blink at me while I am trying to take your picture.

2. Fig. to overlook something, such as a mistake. (As if one had blinked one's eyes rather than seeing the error.) I just can't blink at that kind of behavior. We can't blink at what evil you did.

blink one's tears back

Fig. to try to keep from crying. She blinked back her tears and went on. He blinked his tears back and endured the pain.

See also: back, tear

on the fritz and on the blink

not operating; not operating correctly. This vacuum cleaner is on the fritz. Let's get it fixed. How long has it been on the blink?

See also: fritz

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be on the blink  (informal)

if a machine is on the blink, it is not working as it should I think the photocopier's on the blink.

before somebody could blink

very quickly or suddenly Before you could blink, he'd grabbed the purse and was halfway down the street.

See also: before, could

in the blink of an eye

extremely quickly In the blink of an eye the handsome prince was transformed into an ugly frog.

See also: eye

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in the blink of an eye

extremely quickly There was a huge "boom" and in the blink of an eye the buildings were gone.

See also: eye

on the blink

not operating well The computers in the accounting department are always on the blink and the bills don't get paid on time.

on the fritz

not working in the usual way, or not working at all The washing machine is on the fritz.

Usage notes: usually said of machines

See also: fritz