raise eyebrow

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   To show surprise, doubt, or mild disapproval by lifting your eyebrows.

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase; the eyebrow(s) can be singular or plural, and you can add a possessive like 'my' or 'his'.

   Patterns

   • raise an eyebrow
   • raise eyebrows
   • raise your eyebrows at something

   Her rude comment raised a few eyebrows at the dinner table.

   He raised an eyebrow when she said she had finished the whole project alone.

   The strange smell from the kitchen made everyone raise their eyebrows.

2. 2phraseidiom

   To cause surprise or disapproval among people.

   Grammar: Often used in the passive: 'eyebrows were raised' or with 'cause': 'cause eyebrows to raise'.

   Patterns

   • something raises eyebrows
   • eyebrows were raised

   The company's decision to close the factory raised eyebrows among the workers.

   His sudden resignation raised eyebrows in the office.

   The new law raised eyebrows because it seemed to help only the rich.

Common combinations

raise a few eyebrows

Her bright pink hair raised a few eyebrows at the job interview.

raise eyebrows among

The plan raised eyebrows among local residents.

raise an eyebrow at

She raised an eyebrow at his unusual choice of clothes.

cause eyebrows to raise

The unexpected ending caused eyebrows to raise all over the audience.

Synonyms and how they differ

surprise

A general word for the feeling; 'raise an eyebrow' is a physical action that shows this feeling.

shock

Stronger than raising an eyebrow; it suggests a more intense reaction.

Commonly confused: raise eyebrow or lift an eyebrow?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “raise eyebrow”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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