Phrase · Entertainment & pop culture

the 'I'm not asleep' flinch

noun phrase /thuh-ime-not-uh-sleep-flinch/

Definition

A guilty, sudden jerk to consciousness immediately followed by a defensive lie told by dads worldwide.

In use

“He let out a massive snore, did the 'I'm not asleep' flinch, and claimed he heard every word of the film.”

Filed under

films parents
Published 3 August 2026

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The details

About this phrase

The language, classification and history attached to this Definr entry.

Language

Language form
noun phrase
Pronunciation
/thuh-ime-not-uh-sleep-flinch/

Classification

History

Published
Last updated

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