knee-jerk decision
noun phraseUK /ˈniː dʒɜːk dɪˈsɪʒən/
US /ˈniː dʒɜːrk dɪˈsɪʒən/
A choice you make super fast without thinking about it first.
Saying yes to the puppy was a knee-jerk decision she regretted the next morning.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A decision made automatically in reaction to something, like a reflex.
His knee-jerk decision to slam the door came before he even knew who was knocking.
3. A quick judgment based on habit or emotion rather than careful thought.
The committee's knee-jerk decision to cancel the trip upset everyone.
4. An instant response that happens without planning.
Choosing the same flavor every time is just a knee-jerk decision for him.