icy look

USAGE SUMMARY

"icy look" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's cold, unfriendly expression, typically when they are angry or displeased. For example: "The teacher gave me an icy look when I walked into the classroom late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The press officer gives me an icy look, recalling my last review.

The Guardian

No translation was needed, although for those a bit slow on the uptake there was always the icy look on Woods's face, along with the rumours that the two players enjoyed a less than fraternal exchange in Chicago this month, where they bumped into each other in the locker room at the BMW Championship.

The Guardian - Sport

But, like the victims I worked with then, time, patience and jokes at my expense began to melt Ruth's icy look.

Huffington Post

For one, there's a blue gradient over part of the text that gives it an icy look, and the angle of the "YoPro" text is different from the original.

Vice

Movie review: Set in the 1950s, a young woman's speed-typing potential prompts her ultra-competitive boss to take her under his wing in "Populaire". 'The Servant' movie review: Restored for its 50th anniversary, the film gives an icy look at the upper class and power.

Los Angeles Times

Ignore them as much as possible but if they really get to you, STAND UP FOR YOURSELF!!! Shoot them an icy look and say something short, sweet and sharp that'll make them feel small.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But things quickly escalate, and icy looks and poisonous whispers give way to forged memos, brutal humiliations and, finally, outright violence.

The New York Times

Point out to them that they can read and play computer games even in Connecticut ("We do have electricity here," I've been known to say), and you risk being on the receiving end of one of those icy looks, the ones cold enough to freeze your blood.

The New York Times

Quote Message: This was tough language from an icy looking President Putin.

BBC

But he is clearly furious too and it's not clear yet how that will translate into action". This was tough language from an icy looking President Putin.

BBC

After about an hour of shooting him icy looks (which he ironically didn't even notice) she kissed me on the cheek and politely told the group that she was tired and headed home.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "icy look" to effectively convey a sense of coldness or disapproval in someone's expression, adding depth to character descriptions or narrative tension.

Common error

Avoid using "icy look" when a milder expression like a simple frown or a neutral expression would be more appropriate. The phrase implies a significant level of coldness and disapproval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "icy look" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "icy", modifying the noun "look", to describe a particular kind of expression. Examples on Ludwig show it being used to describe a person's reaction or demeanor.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "icy look" effectively describes a cold, unfriendly expression. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and usable in various contexts. While not overly common, it appears frequently enough in news and media to be considered a recognizable expression. Alternatives like "frigid stare" or "frozen glare" can be used for a similar effect. When employing the phrase "icy look", remember that it conveys a significant level of disapproval or coldness, making it best suited for situations where this intensity is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frigid stare

This alternative uses 'frigid' to emphasize the coldness of the look, heightening the sense of emotional distance.

frozen glare

Using 'frozen' suggests a fixed and unwavering coldness in the expression, highlighting its intensity.

unfriendly gaze

This is a more general term that captures the lack of warmth in the look, suitable for various contexts.

hostile expression

This phrase emphasizes the antagonistic nature of the look, indicating an intent to challenge or intimidate.

chilling glance

The word 'chilling' adds a sense of fear or unease evoked by the look, suggesting a deeper emotional impact.

stony face

This alternative shifts the focus to the overall facial expression, emphasizing a lack of emotion and warmth.

glacial stare

Similar to 'frigid', 'glacial' reinforces the extreme coldness and slow, unyielding nature of the look.

cold reception

This phrase describes the overall demeanor rather than just the look, implying a generally unwelcoming attitude.

steely gaze

Using 'steely' suggests a hardness and determination in the look, often implying resolve or disapproval.

distant look

This alternative emphasizes the emotional unavailability conveyed by the expression, indicating detachment or disinterest.

FAQs

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

You can use "icy look" to describe a cold, unfriendly, or disapproving expression. For example, "She gave him an icy look after he interrupted her."

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

Alternatives include "frigid stare", "frozen glare", or "unfriendly gaze", all suggesting a cold or hostile expression.

Is "icy look" a formal or informal expression?

"Icy look" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in descriptive writing than in academic or business settings.

What does an "icy look" imply?

An "icy look" suggests a cold, unfriendly, and often disapproving expression. It indicates a lack of warmth and can convey anger, displeasure, or disdain.