In the blink of an eye Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Visual Imagery The phrase creates a mental picture of something happening as fast as an eye blinking. He was here, and then in the blink of an eye, he was gone. Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use It's often used metaphorically to express a very brief period of time. The seasons change in the blink of an eye. Pro Tip 3/3Usually Sudden It implies that the change or event was unexpected or unanticipated. The peaceful protest turned violent in the blink of an eye.