knee jerk

• Réaction réflexe, automatique ou irréfléchie à une situation, souvent sans considération approfondie. À l'origine, cela fait référence au réflexe physique déclenché par une percussion du genou.

A reflexive, automatic, or unthinking reaction to a situation, often without careful consideration. Originally refers to the physical reflex when the knee is tapped.

1. Automatic reactionB2informal

   A quick, automatic, and often unthinking response to a situation.

   réflexe

   • His knee-jerk reaction was to say no before thinking.
   • The government's knee-jerk response to the crisis was criticized.
   • She had a knee-jerk emotional outburst when she heard the news.

2. Reflexive actionB2formal

   A physical reflex where the leg kicks forward when the tendon below the kneecap is tapped.

   réflexe rotulien

   • The doctor tested his knee-jerk reflex with a small hammer.
   • A normal knee-jerk response indicates healthy nerve function.
   • The patient's knee jerk was absent, suggesting a possible nerve issue.