stare down

phraseC12 meaningsNot compared — the two pools are counted one word at a time, so a phrase has no score

To stare down somebody is to hold their eyes until they look away. A contest with no words in it.

It splits round an object. The phrase carries the whole idea of a confrontation settled by nerve rather than argument, which is why it suits playgrounds, boardrooms and westerns equally. There is a broader use about problems, since staring down a crisis means facing it without flinching. Stare-down as a noun names the moment itself, particularly before a boxing match.

Definitions of stare down

1phrasestare downTo defeat somebody by holding their gaze until they look away.C1
“He would stare down anybody who challenged him.”
2phrasefaceTo face a threat without flinching.C1
“The company had to stare down two hostile bids.”

Practised in A Man Called Ove, Body Language & Gestures

First appears in chapter 14 of A Man Called Ove.

Practise this word

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stare down

phraseC12 meaningsNot compared — the two pools are counted one word at a time, so a phrase has no score

To stare down somebody is to hold their eyes until they look away. A contest with no words in it.

Definitions of stare down

1phrasestare downTo defeat somebody by holding their gaze until they look away.C1
“He would stare down anybody who challenged him.”
2phrasefaceTo face a threat without flinching.C1
“The company had to stare down two hostile bids.”

Practised in A Man Called Ove, Body Language & Gestures

First appears in chapter 14 of A Man Called Ove.

Practise this word