deadly gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deadly gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look or stare that is intense, threatening, or filled with malice. Example: "She turned to him with a deadly gaze, making it clear that she was not to be trifled with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She continued on her way to work with her "assailant" in hand, wondering what the innocent victim of her deadly gaze must have thought.

The New York Times

But American special forces are staying, and the drones will maintain their deadly gaze.Even as the core shrinks, however, the periphery is growing.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

She directs a deadly, expressionless gaze at Robert, who can barely control his emotions, once his demons are unleashed.

The New York Times

Deadly serious with that sort of classic off-in-the-distance gaze.

Huffington Post

Whose gaze?

The New York Times - Arts

"Deadly serious.

The New Yorker

Deadly microbes?

The Economist

Some gaze expressionlessly ahead.

The Economist

Only deadly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Deadly cysts!

The New Yorker

Deadly Forearms.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deadly gaze" to vividly portray a character's intense anger, threat, or malice, creating a strong impression on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "deadly gaze" in situations that are not serious or threatening. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Opt for alternatives like "intense stare" or "sharp look" in less severe scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deadly gaze" functions as a noun phrase, where "deadly" modifies the noun "gaze". It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, vividly depicting a character's intense stare, often implying menace or danger, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deadly gaze" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to vividly depict an intense, often menacing, stare. According to Ludwig, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it serves to convey a sense of threat or intimidation. While effective in creating a strong visual image, it's important to avoid overuse, particularly in lighthearted contexts. Consider alternatives like "lethal stare" or "piercing gaze" for varied impact. The phrase carries negative connotations and is best suited for situations involving conflict or danger.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lethal stare

Replaces "gaze" with "stare" and "deadly" with "lethal", keeping the core meaning of a dangerous look.

murderous glare

Substitutes "gaze" with "glare" and "deadly" with "murderous", emphasizing the intent to harm.

venomous look

Replaces "gaze" with "look" and "deadly" with "venomous", highlighting the poisonous or bitter nature of the look.

piercing gaze

Replaces "deadly" with "piercing", focusing on the intensity and sharpness of the gaze.

baleful glare

Substitutes "deadly" with "baleful", indicating a menacing or evil influence.

ominous stare

Replaces "deadly" with "ominous", suggesting that the stare foreshadows something bad.

withering look

Replaces "deadly gaze" with a phrase that implies a look that can cause someone to feel diminished or humiliated.

cold stare

Replaces "deadly" with "cold", focusing on the lack of warmth or emotion in the stare.

deathly stare

Replaces "deadly" with "deathly", emphasizing the association with death or mortality.

intense glare

Replaces "deadly" with "intense", focusing on the high degree of focus or concentration in the glare.

FAQs

How can I use "deadly gaze" in a sentence?

You can use "deadly gaze" to describe a character's intense stare, such as: "She fixed him with a "deadly gaze", daring him to speak."

What can I say instead of "deadly gaze"?

You can use alternatives like "lethal stare", "murderous glare", or "venomous look" depending on the context.

Is "deadly gaze" an overused phrase?

While "deadly gaze" isn't inherently overused, its impact diminishes with frequent use. Consider alternatives like "piercing gaze" or "baleful glare" to keep your writing fresh.

What connotations does "deadly gaze" have?

"Deadly gaze" typically carries negative connotations, suggesting malice, threat, or intense anger. It's best suited for describing characters or situations involving conflict or danger.