icy stare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "icy stare" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone's cold, intense and unwavering gaze. It can be used to convey a feeling of being frozen or uncomfortable in a tense situation. For example: "He lowered his head under her icy stare, feeling a chill run down his spine." or "Her icy stare seemed to pierce through me, making me regret my careless words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Her icy stare is legendary.

The New York Times - Sports

But there is always something disconcerting about ideological certainty — with or without the icy stare.

The New York Times

With Winfrey, he lost his icy stare and buried his cutting words.

The New York Times - Sports

He was met with an icy stare and they didn't open the window.

The Guardian

I absorb Nina's icy stare.... "Hey, kiddo," I say, kicking Zo 's bench.

The New York Times

LONDON – It was impossible to report on Margaret Thatcher up close without occasionally falling victim to the icy stare.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

In past years, sniffles in the front row could prompt icy stares and social ostracism.

The New York Times

I've been given the finger and icy stares meant to hijack the whole gig.

The Guardian

At Lee Circle, there was some yelling between the pro-monument and anti-monument crowds and some icy stares.

The Washington Post

Humphries picked up the slack for center Brook Lopez, who played only 19 minutes — 16 below his average — and received several icy stares from Coach Avery Johnson.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Chang and Mr. Mateo's weekend sojourn started with a Greyhound bus to the Jersey Shore, during which earned them icy stares from fellow passengers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "icy stare" to depict a character's cold, intimidating, or emotionally detached demeanor. It is particularly effective in narrative writing to create tension or reveal character traits.

Common error

Avoid using "icy stare" to describe simple annoyance or mild disagreement. It is best reserved for situations where the character intends to exert power, display severe disapproval, or maintain emotional distance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "icy stare" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "icy" modifies the noun "stare". It describes a particular type of gaze characterized by its coldness and lack of emotion. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "icy stare" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a cold, emotionless, and often intimidating gaze. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals that its primary function is to convey disapproval, detachment, or control. It is suitable for a neutral register and frequently appears in news media. While related phrases like "cold gaze" and "freezing glare" offer similar meanings, "icy stare" emphasizes the chilling effect of the gaze. Understanding its nuances allows for more precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cold gaze

Replaces "stare" with a synonym, maintaining a similar tone.

Freezing glare

Substitutes both words with alternatives emphasizing coldness and intensity.

Glacial look

Uses a different adjective and noun while keeping the sense of coldness and visual expression.

Steely gaze

Emphasizes the unwavering and hard quality of the stare.

Piercing look

Focuses on the intensity and penetrating quality of the stare.

Blank stare

Indicates a lack of emotion or understanding in the gaze.

Unwavering gaze

Highlights the steadiness and focus of the stare.

Emotionless expression

Shifts from the act of staring to the overall facial expression.

Distant look

Implies a lack of engagement or connection in the gaze.

Stony expression

Describes the overall facial expression, suggesting a lack of warmth or emotion.

FAQs

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

You can use "icy stare" to describe someone's cold and intimidating gaze. For example, "She fixed him with an icy stare, daring him to speak further".

What's the difference between "icy stare" and "cold stare"?

While both phrases describe an emotionless and unfriendly look, "icy stare" often suggests a more intense and potentially threatening gaze than "cold stare".

What can I say instead of "icy stare"?

You can use alternatives like "glacial look", "freezing glare", or "steely gaze" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "icy stare" a formal or informal expression?

"Icy stare" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in descriptive writing than in academic texts.