knowing glances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "knowing glances" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe looks or expressions that convey a shared understanding or secret knowledge between two or more people. Example: During the meeting, Mary and John exchanged knowing glances whenever their boss mentioned the upcoming promotions, as they both knew they were up for consideration.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Others exchange knowing glances.

The Economist

They prowl the long cinder-block hallway, exchanging knowing glances.

The New York Times - Health

The two salesmen at the register exchanged knowing glances.

The New York Times - Magazine

A honking overhead elicited knowing glances, as if the obvious barely merited comment.

The New York Times

You speak in an understood criminal code: innocuous-sounding phrases, half-finished statements, and knowing glances.

The New Yorker

Trips to the grocery store brought a crushing barrage of knowing glances.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

To Hall, memes are another form of communication; instead of using a knowing glance to let a friend know they're not alone, you may share a meme to achieve the same thing.

Vice

The "we know you're a liar" line was met with gleeful laughter, loud applause, and a knowing glance at the man sitting to her left.

Huffington Post

The conductor and I exchange a silent, knowing glance.

The New York Times

"There was a knowing glance, a smile," Mr. Del Russo said.

The New York Times

"Maybe we could do with six hundred and fifty," Reinhardt said, giving Huston a knowing glance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "knowing glances", consider the context. The effectiveness of the phrase depends on the reader's ability to understand the implied meaning based on surrounding events and character relationships.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "knowing glances" to communicate important plot points or character motivations. Too much reliance can make the narrative feel vague and underdeveloped; balance it with other descriptive techniques.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knowing glances" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "exchanged knowing glances"). As supported by Ludwig, it describes a specific type of nonverbal communication. It encapsulates the idea of unspoken understanding or shared awareness through visual cues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "knowing glances" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a nonverbal exchange that implies shared understanding or secret knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in News & Media, conveying unspoken communication between individuals. While there are alternatives like "understanding looks" or "shared glances", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express. Avoid overusing this phrase, and consider the context to ensure the implied meaning is clear to the reader. By considering these elements, writers can effectively use the phrase to subtly enhance their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared glances

Highlights the mutual aspect of looking, emphasizing shared experience or knowledge.

understanding looks

Focuses on the comprehension aspect of the gaze, emphasizing shared understanding.

secret looks

Highlights the confidential or hidden nature of the exchanged gazes.

significant looks

Highlights the importance or weight carried by the exchanged gazes.

loaded looks

Emphasizes the implied meaning or emotional weight behind the gazes.

meaningful stares

Emphasizes the depth and implication behind the gazes.

telling expressions

Shifts focus from the eyes to the overall facial expression, suggesting revelation.

knowing smiles

Replaces the gaze with a smile, suggesting shared amusement or secret.

knowing nods

Replaces the gaze with a nod, suggesting agreement or acknowledgement of a shared secret or understanding.

subtle cues

Replaces direct looks with indirect indicators or signals suggesting discretion and understatement.

FAQs

How can I use "knowing glances" in a sentence?

You can use "knowing glances" to describe a nonverbal exchange indicating shared understanding or secret knowledge. For example: "They exchanged knowing glances when the boss mentioned the cancelled project."

What's a good alternative to "knowing glances"?

Alternatives include "understanding looks", "significant looks", or "shared glances", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when people exchange "knowing glances"?

When people exchange "knowing glances", it usually means they share a secret, inside joke, or mutual understanding that is not explicitly stated. It implies a connection or shared context between them.

Is there a difference between "knowing glances" and "understanding glances"?

While similar, "knowing glances" often implies a shared secret or unspoken agreement, while "understanding glances" suggests a mutual comprehension of a situation or idea. The former has a conspiratorial undertone, the latter is more about shared insight.