Blink back tears is a phrase that is often used to describe the act of fighting back tears. It is a common expression that people use when they are trying to hold back their emotions or tears from flowing. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, and antonyms of blink back tears.
Definitions
Blink back tears is an idiomatic expression that means to hold back tears or to try to stop oneself from crying. It is an act of controlling one’s emotions, especially when one is experiencing sadness, grief, or pain.
Origin
The origin of the phrase blink back tears is not clear. However, it is believed to have originated from the physical act of blinking, which is a reflex action that helps to keep the eyes moist and clean. When a person is trying to hold back tears, they may blink rapidly in an attempt to prevent the tears from flowing.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, blink back tears means to try to prevent oneself from crying. The Cambridge dictionary defines it as the act of stopping oneself from crying or showing emotion. The Oxford dictionary describes it as the act of holding back tears or trying to control one’s emotions.
Associations
Blink back tears is often associated with emotions such as sadness, grief, pain, and heartbreak. It is a common expression used to describe the act of trying to hold back tears when one is overwhelmed by emotions.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of blink back tears include hold back tears, fight back tears, choke back tears, and suppress tears.
Antonyms
The antonyms of blink back tears include cry, weep, sob, wail, and shed tears.
The same root words
The root words of blink back tears are blink and tears. Blink means to close and open one’s eyes quickly, while tears refer to the salty liquid that comes out of the eyes when one is crying.
Example Sentences
- She had to blink back tears when she heard the news of her grandfather’s death.
- He tried to blink back tears as he delivered his emotional speech.
- I had to blink back tears when I saw the old photo album.
- She blinked back tears of joy when she heard the good news.
- He had to blink back tears of frustration when he failed the exam.
Blink back tears is a common expression used to describe the act of holding back tears or trying to control one’s emotions. It is often associated with sadness, grief, pain, and heartbreak. The phrase has its roots in the physical act of blinking, and it is used in different dictionaries to describe the same meaning. Synonyms of blink back tears include hold back tears, fight back tears, and suppress tears, while antonyms include cry, weep, sob, wail, and shed tears.