Learn English – What does ‘knee-jerk reaction’ mean

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What does knee-jerk reaction mean?

From NYT article:

Another senior Socialist, who declined to be identified, said the party could not afford knee-jerk reactions.

Best Answer

A knee-jerk reaction indicates a reflexive response.

There are a couple of particular concerns with such responses:

  • They're spontaneous and generally involuntary
  • Haste being necessarily so, these can often be detrimental to a situation, with no forethought as to the consequences

These are benefits in nature (if falling, notice that arms automatically attempt break the fall, particularly protecting the head); when applied to speech and whatnot, such as in office, it isn't a recommended practice to work solely from 'instincts' (for example, if a suggestion strikes a nerve with one member, emotions may speak for him, as opposed to taking an objective standpoint.)

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