steely gaze

steely gaze

A prolonged and intense, mirthless look, especially one expressing disapproval or displeasure. The kids began joking about their classmate's situation, but the teacher silenced them with a steely gaze. I could tell by his steely gaze that he was not happy about the news.
See also: gaze, steely
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

steely gaze

Cliché an intense, staring gaze. The principal turned a steely gaze toward the frightened student and suddenly smiled.
See also: gaze, steely
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • steely
  • steely look
  • vote with (one's) feet
  • vote with feet
  • vote with one’s feet
  • vote with one's feet
  • vote with your feet
  • I hope you're happy
  • make (the) baby Jesus cry
  • criticize (one) for (something)
References in classic literature
But now, strangely enough, he had no sooner seated himself and bent his steely gaze upon me, than, for some reason or another, I felt moved to tell him everything--to speak to him of my love in all its phases.
During one particularly complex meeting discussing charitable law and legal issues, Prof Plummer remembers Sir Bobby fixing her with his steely gaze and enquiring: "Why did you ask?" It was a joke he would repeat when he wrote it on a photo of him with the clinical trials team, that he sent to Prof Plummer and which is still displayed in her office in the Sir Bobby Centre.
He could also revert back to being the man we got to know him in 'Descendants' with a steely gaze.
CEBU CITY -- Lourdes Silawan Pardillo fixed a steely gaze at the man seated across from her.
Fixing on the camera with steely gaze, she really owned her look.
The steely gaze, the crumpled brow and the air that something was not quite right were all present and correct when Nick Hewer, former adviser to Lord Sugar on The Apprentice, made a guest appearance on Great British Bake Off (Channel 4, Tuesday) in aid of Stand Up 2 Cancer.
His steely gaze conveys a look of determination and authority that gives a small hint as to why the Lebanese-Brazilian-French businessman became one of the most respected and sought-after executives in the world today.
At the end of the story he turned his steely gaze on my husband.
But Hollywood, famous for his steely gaze and often dubbed a "silver fox", said he could not "turn my back" on Bake Off as the white tent is where he belongs.
With her creepy mask and steely gaze, Elena Anaya's character in the upcoming DC film "Wonder Woman" definitely looks every inch a villain.
Who will crumble under Paul's steely gaze? Who'll be jammy and dodge elimination?
Standing approximately 8 inches tall, this statue paperweight features the Dark Knight unmasked, revealing the steely gaze of billionaire Bruce Wayne.
A steely gaze, muscular legs and very tight buttocks.
Fittingly his Jack is a Geordie and Wathen inhabits every inch of the cold and calculating hitman, from his steely gaze and mirthless laugh to his inner fury and steady unrelenting drive for revenge.
THE female monk stood only six feet away, perfectly still with a steely gaze. And this being the birthplace of kung fu, I was a bit worried.