mutual glances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mutual glances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more people look at each other simultaneously, often implying a shared understanding or connection. Example: "As they stood across the room, their mutual glances spoke volumes about the unspoken bond they shared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the film that turned their invention, the "cinématographe," into a terrifying spectacle, "Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat," contains the definitive and enduring gesture of acknowledged mutual implication, the glance at the lens of the camera.

The New Yorker

I've settled in OK – nods of recognition and glances of mutual disbelief when our defence goes AWOL.

The Guardian - Sport

Her widower looks with distaste at the ring in the navel of his granddaughter's exposed midriff, winces at an anti-religious joke by his grandson, exchanges glances of mutual loathing with his grown-up sons and greets with disgust a well-intentioned address by a new priest.

The Guardian - Film

Many a chap has approached me and said that they wish they could culture a cookie duster as fine as mine, and when I happen to meet a fellow moustache wearer in the street, there is definitely a shared glance of mutual approval and admiration, regardless of age.

BBC

At a first glance social networking may improve mutual understanding among people and respect for values, but a closer inspection discloses a serious risks to tolerance and mutual respect.

Huffington Post

When this checking resulted in a belief that rapport could be attained, this might have features in common with 'moments of meeting' described by Stern et al. as an unconventional way of affective 'tuning in', a mutual recognition, mutual understanding transmitted by a glance, word or gesture, leading to a shared implicit relationship[ 32].

BMC Nursing

The two men's warm grins and conspiratorial glances reveal their genuine rapport and mutual delight in this alliance.

The Guardian - Music

Two people in an enclosed space who develop a mutual attraction through conversation or straight-up stolen glances sometimes end up having sex with one another.

Vice

At first glance this seems circular, since ICA reduces mutual information, but ICA and correction by removal of one component must not be confused.

Plosone

A glance or a nod was enough for our mutual consent on what to do next.

The New York Times

Conversation between the couple is full of digressions, silences, guesses, glances -- the vehicles, as McCarey knew, of a deepening mutual understanding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mutual glances" to subtly convey unspoken communication or shared understanding between characters in your writing. This adds depth and nuance to their interaction without explicitly stating their thoughts or feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "mutual glances" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your descriptions of nonverbal communication to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutual glances" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an instance where two or more individuals simultaneously look at each other. Examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in depicting shared understanding or silent communication.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mutual glances" is a noun phrase used to describe the act of two or more people looking at each other simultaneously. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct, although relatively rare in occurrence. While its usage spans various contexts, it's most frequently found in News & Media. The phrase communicates a shared understanding or unspoken connection, fitting into neutral register. Alternatives to "mutual glances" include "shared looks" or "exchanged looks". Remember to use this phrase judiciously to enhance, rather than clutter, your writing. Ludwig provides useful examples to guide correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared looks

A more general term for a shared visual interaction.

shared gaze

Focuses on the act of looking rather than a quick look.

exchanged looks

Highlights the reciprocal nature of the look.

knowing glances

Emphasizes shared understanding or secret.

reciprocal gaze

Highlights the back and forth nature of the look.

furtive glances

Suggests secrecy or hastiness in the looking.

stolen glances

Implies the looks are taken without the other's knowledge initially.

intersecting gazes

Emphasizes the point where the lines of sight meet.

connected gazes

Suggests a deeper emotional connection through the look.

communicative glances

Highlights the role of the look as a means of conveying information.

FAQs

What does "mutual glances" mean?

The phrase "mutual glances" refers to a situation where two or more people look at each other at the same time, often implying a shared feeling, understanding, or connection.

What can I say instead of "mutual glances"?

You can use alternatives like "shared looks", "exchanged looks", or "knowing glances" depending on the context.

How can "mutual glances" be used in a sentence?

You might say, "They exchanged "mutual glances", understanding perfectly what the other was thinking without a word being spoken".

Is it better to say "mutual glances" or "shared glances"?

Both "mutual glances" and "shared glances" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey, though they are very similar in meaning.