cold eyes

USAGE SUMMARY

'cold eyes' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a person who is emotionless or unfeeling. For example, "The criminal entered the courtroom with cold eyes, betraying no emotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Cameras have cold eyes.

The Guardian

"I am unable to talk with her, I cannot look lovingly into those cold eyes.

The New York Times - Books

Sharon's mouth was prominent, her cold eyes blurred by the plastic.

The New Yorker

Hunter's observation is that, seen with cold eyes, the project of Christian persuasion has not worked.

The New Yorker

Looking into their lovely amber, but deadly cold, eyes was more than a little unnerving.

Independent

We must face the "deep and cold" eyes of the birds.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

A time - still time - to cast a cold eye ahead.

The New York Times

Marketers judge their projects' performance with a cold eye.

Harvard Business Review

Cast a cold eye On life, on death.

The New Yorker

Two: bitchy young matron with a cold eye for contemporaries.

The New Yorker

Most, when examined with a cold eye, collapse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cold eyes" to effectively depict a character's lack of empathy, ruthlessness, or emotional detachment in your writing. This can enhance the character's portrayal and create a specific mood or atmosphere.

Common error

Avoid using "cold eyes" when the context requires showing sadness or fear, as it primarily conveys a lack of emotion or a calculating demeanor. Ensure it aligns with the intended emotional state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cold eyes" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun (usually a person or character) to indicate a lack of emotion, empathy, or warmth. Ludwig AI provides many examples of its use in describing character traits and creating specific atmospheres in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cold eyes" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that effectively conveys a lack of emotion or empathy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news and media to describe characters or individuals who appear detached, ruthless, or intimidating. While generally negative in connotation, "cold eyes" serves as a powerful descriptive tool in writing. To avoid misuse, ensure the emotional context aligns with the intended meaning and explore synonyms to capture different shades of emotion. Understanding these nuances will allow you to harness the full potential of this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotionless gaze

This alternative focuses on the lack of emotion in the look.

unfeeling stare

This alternative highlights the absence of feeling or sympathy in the gaze.

expressionless eyes

This alternative emphasizes the absence of any expression in the eyes.

vacant eyes

This alternative suggests a lack of awareness or understanding in the eyes.

icy glare

This alternative focuses on a hostile and emotionless look.

steely gaze

This alternative suggests a determined and emotionless look.

callous expression

This alternative broadens the scope to the entire facial expression, indicating a lack of empathy.

detached look

This alternative implies a sense of emotional distance or aloofness.

heartless gaze

This alternative directly points to a lack of compassion or kindness.

impassive eyes

This alternative highlights the absence of visible emotion or reaction.

FAQs

How can I describe the look of someone with "cold eyes"?

Describing the look of someone with "cold eyes" involves emphasizing a lack of warmth, empathy, or visible emotion. You might focus on the intensity of the gaze, the absence of a smile, or a generally detached demeanor. Similar phrases include "emotionless gaze" or "unfeeling stare".

Is "cold eyes" always negative?

Generally, yes. "Cold eyes" typically imply a lack of positive emotion such as warmth, empathy, or compassion. However, in some contexts, it can also suggest determination or focus, though these are less common interpretations.

What kind of characters are often described as having "cold eyes"?

Characters often described as having "cold eyes" include villains, sociopaths, detectives, or anyone meant to appear intimidating, detached, or lacking empathy. The phrase is useful for quickly establishing a sense of unease or danger.

What are some synonyms for "cold eyes" that might fit different contexts?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you might use synonyms such as "icy glare" to suggest hostility, "steely gaze" to suggest determination, or "vacant eyes" to suggest a lack of understanding or awareness.