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Meaning & use

the blink

phrase, noun·Advanced

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UK/ðə ˈblɪŋk/
US/ðə ˈblɪŋk/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phraseinformal

    A very short period of time; an instant.

    Grammar: Always used with 'the' and typically in the phrase 'in the blink of an eye'. It functions as an adverbial or noun phrase meaning 'very quickly'.

    Patterns

    • in the blink of an eye

    The whole building was destroyed in the blink of an eye.

    She finished the race in the blink of an eye, leaving everyone behind.

  2. phrasefixed phraseinformal

    A state of not working properly, especially of a machine or device.

    Grammar: Used in the phrase 'on the blink', typically after the verb 'be' or 'go'.

    Patterns

    • be on the blink
    • go on the blink

    The washing machine is on the blink again; I need to call a repairman.

    My phone went on the blink after I dropped it in water.

  3. nounsingulartechnical

    A visual effect in science fiction where a person or object disappears and reappears instantly.

    Grammar: Often used with 'the' in phrases like 'do the blink' or 'the blink effect'. It is a specialist term in science fiction.

    Patterns

    • do the blink
    • the blink effect

    In the movie, the spaceship did the blink and vanished from the radar.

    The character has the power of the blink, teleporting short distances.

Common combinations

in the blink of an eye
He ate the entire cake in the blink of an eye.
on the blink
The TV is on the blink; the screen keeps flickering.
go on the blink
My laptop went on the blink right before the deadline.
the blink of an eye
The accident happened in the blink of an eye.

Synonyms and how they differ

instant
A more formal word for a very short moment; 'the blink' is informal and often used in the fixed phrase 'in the blink of an eye'.
flash
Can also mean a very short time, but often suggests a sudden bright light; 'the blink' does not imply light.
broken
Describes something not working, but is a general adjective; 'on the blink' is an informal phrase specifically for machines.

Word family

blink verb
To close and open your eyes quickly.
blink noun
The act of closing and opening your eyes quickly; a quick flash of light.
blinking adjective
Used to emphasize annoyance; also the present participle of 'blink'.

Commonly confused: the blink or blink? the blink or wink?

the blink vs blink

As a noun, 'blink' usually means the physical act of shutting your eyes briefly, while 'the blink' in the phrase 'in the blink of an eye' means a very short time.

the blink vs wink

A wink is a deliberate closing of one eye as a signal, whereas a blink is usually a quick, involuntary closing of both eyes.

Practice

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