To Glare at Someone
Definition: To stare fiercely or angrily at someone.
Origin and History: The concept of a glare being metaphorically sharp or deadly has ancient roots. This expression was highlighted as early as ca. 414 B.C. by the Greek playwright Aristophanes in “The Birds.” Shakespeare, the maestro of vivid expressions, made it even more evocative with the line from Macbeth: “There’s daggers in men’s smiles” (2.3), suggesting a deadly intent behind a seemingly benign expression. Even Thoreau found this metaphor appealing, frequently delving into its connotations.
By the early 1900s, the synonymous phrase “if looks could kill” began gaining traction. It eloquently captures the venom in a hostile glance. Frank Harris’s memorable quote from his 1922 book, My Life and Loves, “When they let me up I looked at Jones, and if looks could kill, he would have had short shrift,” poignantly illustrates its meaning.
Synonyms:
- Stare daggers
- Death stare
- Piercing glare
- Evil eye
Related Expressions:
- “If looks could kill”
- “Staring into one’s soul”
- “Eyes like gimlets”
- “Eyes full of fire”
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “Stare at me all you want, I’m not a painting.”
- “If glares could pay bills, I’d be a billionaire by now!”
Similar Proverbs and Idioms:
- “To give someone the evil eye”
- “To look daggers”
- “To shoot a glance that could curdle milk”
Literary References:
- The Birds by Aristophanes
- Macbeth by William Shakespeare
- My Life and Loves by Frank Harris
Recommend Reads:
- Eye for an Eye by Michael Maden
- Stormbird by Conn Iggulden
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson
Songs:
- “Killer Queen” by Queen
- “Eyes Without a Face” by Billy Idol
- “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift
Movies:
- Pacific Rim – for raging glares from kaijus
- The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly – those intense stare-downs
- Kill Bill – lots of killer looks and actual kills
Inspirational Thought: Remember, while expressions and glances can be cutting, kindness always outlives a glare. Let’s create not only with words but with warmth.
Fictitious Author and Date: L. E. Sigh, 2023-10-01
