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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
for your browser
Knee Jerk Reaction (Origin)
What Is the Origin of the Saying "Knee Jerk Reaction"?
The term "knee-jerk reaction" means a quick, automatic response.
The term has been used figuratively since the early 20th century as a metaphor for a sudden, unconsidered response. For example:
- Selling my travel-industry shares was a knee-jerk reaction to the first Covid-19 lockdown.
- Introducing the legislation was a knee-jerk reaction to the bombing.
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