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Knee jerk reaction

Knee jerk reaction

Meaning

A quick and automatic response.

Examples

When Isis bombed Paris the knee-jerk reaction was to bomb them back.

Where did it originate?

Britain, 19th century. Driving from the medical test involving tapping the knee.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Knee jerk reaction

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