—often used figuratively to describe a reaction of shock or dismay that makes someone unwilling or reluctant to proceed
Civilians also saw benefits to the system but blanched when talk then included references to $300-plus user fees. Dan Fales… the managers of the companies blanched at the expenditures necessary to retool factories. Charles C. Mann
Blanch the potatoes before slicing them. a cup of blanched almonds She blanched and remained silent when the store owner accused her of taking the money.
Recent Examples on the WebTo freeze slices, slightly blanch them, plunge them in ice water, drain and pat dry. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 3 Sep. 2022 To turn it into pesto, blanch the leaves for a few seconds in boiling water, then plunge them into a bowl of ice water. Sally Pasley Vargas, BostonGlobe.com, 14 June 2022 Wash and slice the zucchini into rounds, then blanch it in boiling water for one minute. Mike Rose, cleveland, 6 Apr. 2022 Make the fresh dill vinaigrette: Bring the water back to a boil and blanch the fresh dill in the water to set the bright, green color, about 10 seconds. Michael A. Gardiner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2022 These preparations blanch the normally deep burgundy tissue to pale fleshy color that’s not quite tan and not quite pink. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 13 May 2022 Here's how: Wash the ramps, then blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds and place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking.Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2022 Just blanch the skin, boil it in sugar water and dry it in a bed of sugar. Tribune News Service, cleveland, 12 Apr. 2022 But some advertisers and agencies may blanch at the idea of the network that makes money off the sale of advertising acting as the verification of the measurement system behind it. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 24 Mar. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English blaunchen, from Anglo-French blanchir, from blanc, adjective, white — more at blank