blanch
(redirected from blanched)Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
blanch at (something)
To balk or hesitate when faced with something unpleasant. This phrase can also include or describe one's visible paleness, as to "blanch" something means to whiten it. All of my friends ran into the creepy haunted house, but I blanched at the sight of it. Stella blanched at the plate of cooked ants that had been set before her.
See also: blanch
blanch with (an emotion)
To become visibly pale as a result of feeling a particular emotion. All of my friends ran into the creepy haunted house, but I blanched with fear when I saw it. Stella blanched with disgust at the plate of cooked ants that had been set before her.
See also: blanch
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
blanch at something
Fig. to cringe at something; to become pale at the thought of something. Jill blanched at the thought of swimming in that cold water. Lily blanched at the sight before her.
See also: blanch
blanch with something
Fig. to become pale with some emotion, such as anger or fear. He saw the injury and blanched with fear. Lily blanched with anger as Max walked out.
See also: blanch
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.