not know where to look

not know where to look

To not know how to behave in an embarrassing or uncomfortable situation. We didn't know where to look when Jan and Pete started fighting during dinner. When I hang out with Sarah and Suzie, I always feel like a third wheel, and I don't know where to look when they start cuddling or kissing.
See also: know, look, not
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

not know where (or which way) to look

feel great embarrassment and not know how to react.
See also: know, look, not
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

not know which way/where to ˈlook

(informal) not know how to react or behave in an embarrassing situation: When a half-naked woman walked into the room, nobody knew where to look.
See also: know, look, not, way
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • (I) can't say as I do
  • can't say as I do
  • as we know it
  • AFAIK
  • I know
  • before you know it
  • (I) can't say's I do
  • before you know where you are
  • as you know
  • by any chance
References in classic literature
Stevenson left alone with a hero, a heroine, and a proposal impending (he does not know where to look).
As soon as possible Rose retired to a corner, with a porcelain god on one side, a green dragon on the other, and, what was still more embarrassing, Fun See sat on a tea-chest in front, and stared at her with his beady black eyes till she did not know where to look.
Why, even the peasant that you tell me of who marked the place of the flame would not know where to look in daylight even for his own work.
She did not know where to look. I shouldn't wonder if she would have preferred abuse, or even a blow."
I would not know where to look for the entrance into the lagoon.
(Then Roma boss Eusebio) Di Francesco does not know where to go, (Andres) Iniesta does not know where to look.
I did not know where to look, so I looked down and covered myself with my towel as I changed into gym clothes.
Kitson said he felt "totally embarrassed" by the Ramsey incident and did not know where to look when a horrified Wenger looked at him and the Stoke backroom staff sitting on the bench.
Kitson said he felt "totally embarrassed" by the incident and did not know where to look when a horrified Arsene Wenger looked at him and the Stoke backroom staff sitting on the bench.
Student loan repayment knowledge is extremely helpful to borrowers, but many may not know where to look or what questions to ask their servicer in order to get their loans on track."
Teri Gilstrap, existing industries manager for the Anderson County Office of Economic Development, told GSA Business Report in April that manufacturers may not know where to look for workers.
Ganzorig lost in the quarterfinal and the Indian wrestling officials did not know where to look. Cotton wool has been pulled over eyes of the public as an unfit Indian wrestler competed in Rio.
We dispatched our personnel to the area but since it was too big, we did not know where to look, Salvador said.
As I say, one does not know where to look. Up or down?
The former allies of President Musharraf sitting right in the parliament house were the most taunted over members of the national assembly on Monday and did not know where to look as the Defence Minister lashed out at them and their other 'friends' for their support to the dictator and their colleagues looked on them.