stare into

stare into (something)

1. Literally, to gaze into something in an intense, prolonged, or steadfast manner. I stared into the mirror looking for new wrinkles. She stared into his eyes, telling him how much she loved him.
2. To face, confront, or be forced to deal with some uncertain, mysterious, and foreboding future outcome or development. Usually used in the continuous tense. The economist warned that we are staring into a recession far worse than the last one. The company is staring into an abyss of financial ruin, and you want to hand out year-end bonuses?
See also: stare
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

stare into something

to gaze fixedly into something. she just sat there, staring into space. Tom stared into the water, hoping to see a fish or maybe a turtle.
See also: stare
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • stare into (something)
  • stare at
  • stare at (someone or something)
  • stare (someone or something) in the face
  • stare in the face
  • stare something in the face
  • stare out at
  • stare out at (someone or something)
  • stare down
  • be at peace
References in periodicals archive
According to the rules, contestants had to stare into blankly for long hours without talking, sleeping, laughing or using smartphones.
Photo of the Day: 'Cutest expression' winner at 'space out' competition
Poised between numbness and agitation, they stare into space like bit players whose roles are nonnegotiable though ambiguous.
Laylah Ali: 303 Gallery