icy glare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "icy glare" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a cold, hostile, or unfriendly look someone gives, often conveying disapproval or anger. For example, she shot him an icy glare when he interrupted her. Alternative expressions include "cold stare," "frosty look," and "chilling gaze."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The icy glare, not the raised voice, is her preferred method for signalling disapproval.

The Guardian - Opinion

Be prepared for an icy glare or stony silence when your neighbor returns and finds you still sitting there.

The New York Times

When I ask Wesley if Wagner and I might grab a quick meal, he fixes me with an icy glare.

The New York Times - Magazine

Before walking on court, Sharapova shot Capra, an 18-year-old wild card ranked No. 371 in the world, an icy glare.

The New York Times

Nothing is quite so withering as the icy glare of the indignant Berlin cyclist, and after a couple of incidents I learned to stay off the red paths.

The New Yorker

And Allan Kozinn, my colleague at The New York Times, wrote, "Mr. Gilbert is transforming the icy glare of the Maazel sound into a warm glow".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Elsewhere, nosy bystanders were given icy glares, and backed off.

The New York Times

Here are some other survivors of MSG's editing: Coach Isiah Thomas's blank stares and icy glares.

The New York Times - Sports

The death stares, the icy glares and the occasional (but impressive) hurling of perfectly creased play charts all dovetail nicely with Coughlin's perpetually ruddy complexion, making for an entertaining spectacle as he upbraids his charges.

The New York Times - Sports

They were, of course, delivered to him with the icy glares of an angry vice principal.

Huffington Post

I repeatedly tried to convince him to talk to me, but I was met with the iciest glare and not a single comment.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's reaction in a story, use "icy glare" to effectively convey disapproval, anger, or a desire to intimidate.

Common error

Avoid using "icy glare" to describe a simple, neutral observation. This phrase implies a negative or hostile emotion, so ensure it accurately reflects the intended sentiment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "icy glare" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "icy" modifies the noun "glare". It describes a specific type of look, typically conveying disapproval, anger, or coldness. Ludwig AI confirms this is a well-recognized phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "icy glare" is a common and effective way to describe a look of coldness, disapproval, or hostility. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "cold stare" or "frosty look" exist, "icy glare" distinctly conveys a chilling and often intimidating expression. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended negative sentiment to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cold stare

A more direct and common alternative, using 'cold' instead of 'icy' and 'stare' instead of 'glare'.

frosty stare

Replaces 'icy' with 'frosty' and 'glare' with 'stare', maintaining the sense of coldness and intensity.

frigid gaze

Substitutes 'icy' with 'frigid' and 'glare' with 'gaze', emphasizing the cold and distant nature of the look.

hostile gaze

Replaces 'icy' with 'hostile', focusing on the aggressive nature of the look.

steely gaze

Suggests a strong, determined, and unwavering look.

glacial look

Uses 'glacial' to convey the extreme coldness and slowness associated with a glacier.

stony gaze

Implies a hard, emotionless expression, similar to stone.

piercing stare

Highlights the intensity and penetrating quality of the look.

unfriendly look

Simplifies the phrase to a more general description of an unwelcoming expression.

withering look

Focuses on the effect of the look, suggesting it is intended to diminish or humiliate.

FAQs

How can I use "icy glare" in a sentence?

You can use "icy glare" to describe a look that conveys coldness, disapproval, or hostility. For example, "She gave him an icy glare when he interrupted her."

What's a similar phrase to "icy glare"?

Alternatives include "cold stare", "frosty look", or "frigid gaze", all suggesting a similar sense of coldness and disapproval.

Is "icy stare" the same as "icy glare"?

While similar, "icy stare" and "icy glare" have slight differences. "Glare" often implies more anger or aggression than a "stare", but they're frequently interchangeable.

Can "icy glare" be used in a positive context?

No, "icy glare" almost always carries a negative connotation, suggesting coldness, disapproval, or hostility. It is not appropriate for positive or neutral situations.