mischievous glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mischievous glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look that suggests playful trouble or a sense of mischief, often in a lighthearted context. Example: "She gave him a mischievous glance, hinting that she had a playful surprise in store for him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She tossed me a mischievous glance.

Huffington Post

Jim Martin, positioned in the lower right, gives a coy and perhaps mischievous glance back at the viewer.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And when the banter finally started, it was just as one expected, one had hoped: erudite and cultured, mischievous and glancing, sweeping back through art, philosophy, history while always staying rooted in the issues of the day.

The New York Times

She turns out to be lying about both her name and her nationality, but by the time Ricardo discovers this he has already fallen under the spell of her "mischievous laugh" and the "mocking glance of her eyes the colour of dark honey".

The Guardian - Books

But while some of those who prefer tales from the past – especially TV companies and movie studios – are motivated by the fact that old stories are less likely to cause trouble, Barnes' backward glances were always mischievous in intent.

The Guardian

Distracted, Ortiz glanced up and made a mischievous face.

The New York Times - Sports

At first glance, the most objectionable thing about the new "Peter Rabbit" movie is either James Corden voicing the mischievous bunny or Rose Byrne wasting her considerable talents on this film at all.

Huffington Post

How mischievous.

The Guardian - Books

(Anderson) ★ Chromeo / Mayer Hawthorne & the County (Friday and Saturday) The electro-funk duo Chromeo's mischievous M.O. is summarized succinctly in the video for its new single, "When the Night Falls," in which the two impregnate ladies with cursory glances.

The New York Times - Arts

Cue a mischievous smile.

Independent

A mischievous smile spreads.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mischievous glance" to subtly convey a character's playful or teasing intent without explicitly stating it. It is particularly effective in narrative writing to add nuance to interactions.

Common error

Avoid using "mischievous glance" too frequently in your writing. Vary your descriptions of looks and expressions to prevent the phrase from becoming repetitive and losing its impact. Consider using alternatives like "knowing look" or "playful gaze".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mischievous glance" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "mischievous" modifies the noun "glance". It describes a specific type of look characterized by playfulness or a hint of trickery. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mischievous glance" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a playful or teasing look. Ludwig AI confirms that it fits well in written English. Although not very common, with only two exact examples, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. When using "mischievous glance", consider varying your descriptions of looks and expressions to prevent repetition. Alternatives such as "playful gaze" or "knowing look" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knowing glance

Replaces "mischievous" with "knowing" suggesting a shared understanding or secret.

playful gaze

Replaces "mischievous" with "playful" to soften the connotation.

teasing look

Substitutes "glance" with "look" and "mischievous" with "teasing" to emphasize the playful intent.

impish gaze

Replaces "mischievous" with "impish" for a more whimsical tone.

knowing smile

Shifts focus from the eyes to the mouth, suggesting a shared secret or understanding.

wry look

Implies a subtle and ironic form of amusement.

coy glance

Suggests a shy or flirtatious quality in the look.

furtive peek

Emphasizes the secretive or hidden nature of the glance.

sly look

Highlights the cunning or deceptive aspect of the glance.

wicked grin

Focuses on the smile rather than the eyes, implying a darker or more rebellious kind of mischief.

FAQs

What does "mischievous glance" mean?

A "mischievous glance" refers to a quick look that suggests playfulness, a teasing nature, or a hint of impending minor trouble. It implies an intent to be cheeky or cause lighthearted amusement.

How can I use "mischievous glance" in a sentence?

You can use "mischievous glance" to describe someone's expression, such as, "She gave him a "mischievous glance" before pulling a prank" or "A "mischievous glance" passed between them, hinting at a shared joke."

What are some synonyms for "mischievous glance"?

Alternatives to "mischievous glance" include "playful look", "teasing gaze", "impish grin", or "knowing glance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "mischievous glance" formal or informal?

"Mischievous glance" is generally considered to be neutral in tone. While it is suitable for most writing contexts, more formal situations may call for a more descriptive or nuanced expression.