hostile eyes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hostile eyes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's gaze or expression that conveys anger, aggression, or animosity. Example: "As she entered the room, she felt the weight of hostile eyes watching her every move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He looked at the Germans with hostile eyes.

The Guardian - Books

A photograph of him from this period reveals an almost unnervingly forceful young man with hostile eyes and a wedged pompadour.

The New Yorker

This contention though not at all implausible has, to hostile eyes, a somewhat contrived air about it, and is unlikely to worry the convinced Marxist.

SEP

The region's residents are also less likely to view Mexico with hostile eyes, whether or not they are themselves Hispanic.

HuffPost

Already, a vast majority of people in Pakistan, including inside the army, see the United States with hostile eyes.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Maybe the literal language of the framers lends itself to this weird, devitalizing interpretation when scrutinized with a hostile eye.

Cornell University

And I never tried to look at another driver (my own profiling) much less make hostile eye contact.

The New York Times

The professor advised readers to "look again at a 'fascist' -- tight-lipped, tense, crew cut, correctly dressed, church-going, an American flag on his car window, a hostile eye for communists, youth, and blacks".

The New York Times

Are we ready to be exposed to the critical and possibly predisposed to the hostile eye of the world?

Huffington Post

They are prized and they are something that must be protected from the intrusions of other hostile or disapproving eyes.

Yale University

The body language of the refrigeration posse was comically hostile: arms crossed, eyes flicking back and forth to their hospitality sandwiches, as if the main thing to do with hippies was to keep an eye on them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hostile eyes" to vividly depict a character's negative emotions or intentions towards someone or something.

Common error

Avoid using "hostile eyes" in overly formal or technical writing where a more neutral or descriptive term might be more appropriate. Consider the audience and context to ensure the phrase fits the overall tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostile eyes" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a subject to indicate their emotional state or attitude. It paints a vivid picture of someone's gaze conveying aggression or animosity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hostile eyes" effectively conveys anger, aggression, or animosity through a visual description, as validated by Ludwig. While grammatically correct, its frequency is rare, primarily appearing in news, academic, and scientific contexts. The phrase functions descriptively to modify a subject's emotional state, setting a tone of conflict or disapproval. For alternative expressions, consider using "angry gaze" or "menacing stare" to express similar sentiments, adjusting the formality as necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

angry gaze

Focuses on the anger conveyed in the look.

menacing stare

Emphasizes the threatening nature of the gaze.

unfriendly gaze

Uses a more moderate adjective to soften the negative impact.

aggressive look

Highlights the forceful and confrontational nature of the expression.

fierce expression

Describes a strong and intense look that could be intimidating.

glaring daggers

Uses figurative language to convey intense hostility.

cold stare

Highlights the emotionless and detached nature of the hostility.

disapproving look

Indicates a critical and judgmental expression.

resentful eyes

Specifically denotes eyes filled with resentment.

scowling visage

Emphasizes the facial expression of displeasure or anger.

FAQs

What does "hostile eyes" mean?

The phrase "hostile eyes" describes a look or gaze that conveys anger, aggression, or animosity. It suggests a confrontational or unfriendly demeanor.

What are some synonyms for "hostile eyes"?

Alternatives to "hostile eyes" include "angry gaze", "menacing stare", or "unfriendly gaze", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "hostile eyes" in a sentence?

You might say, "He looked at the newcomers with "hostile eyes"", indicating his suspicion or disapproval.

Is "hostile eyes" a formal or informal expression?

"Hostile eyes" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although in highly formal writing, you might opt for a more neutral or descriptive alternative.