Blink away
phrasal verb
Trying to clear away tears or something from your eyes by blinking.
He was trying to blink away the tears that welled in his eyes.

Often appears as...
- blink away tears
- blink away dust
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To ignore or avoid something unpleasant or uncomfortable by pretending it doesn't exist.
She tried to blink away the reality of her situation.

Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
Trying to clear away tears or something from your eyes by blinking.
He was trying to blink away the tears that welled in his eyes.

Often appears as...
- blink away tears
- blink away dust
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To ignore or avoid something unpleasant or uncomfortable by pretending it doesn't exist.
She tried to blink away the reality of her situation.

Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2

Emotional Reaction
Used to describe an attempt to hide emotions, often during a difficult or touching moment.

She tried to blink away the sadness as she waved goodbye.
Physical Discomfort
Indicates a response to physical irritation in the eyes, such as from an allergen or bright light.

He had to blink away the glare of the sun during the game.
Subtle Persistence
Suggests repeated blinking in an effort to maintain composure or focus despite distractions.

In the wind, she kept trying to blink away the water from her eyes.
Emotional Reaction
Used to describe an attempt to hide emotions, often during a difficult or touching moment.

She tried to blink away the sadness as she waved goodbye.
Physical Discomfort
Indicates a response to physical irritation in the eyes, such as from an allergen or bright light.

He had to blink away the glare of the sun during the game.
Subtle Persistence
Suggests repeated blinking in an effort to maintain composure or focus despite distractions.

In the wind, she kept trying to blink away the water from her eyes.
Emotional Reaction
Used to describe an attempt to hide emotions, often during a difficult or touching moment.

She tried to blink away the sadness as she waved goodbye.
Physical Discomfort
Indicates a response to physical irritation in the eyes, such as from an allergen or bright light.

He had to blink away the glare of the sun during the game.
Subtle Persistence
Suggests repeated blinking in an effort to maintain composure or focus despite distractions.

In the wind, she kept trying to blink away the water from her eyes.
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