shoot a glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shoot a glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of quickly looking at someone or something, often with a specific intention or emotion. Example: "She shot a glance at her watch, realizing she was late for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

When speaking casually during breaks, however, stammers did emerge, and Mr. Auerbach would shoot a glance suggesting a retreat from spontaneity to the rigors of technique.

The New York Times

I shoot a glance at Smidge, who is washing her lower legs nonchalantly.

Vice

I imagined Murphy in a human hospital bed, watching some heavily made-up TV judge shoot a glance to her sassy bailiff, IV in his arm, ambient beeps of monitors filling out the crushing silence.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I shot a glance over my shoulder.

The New York Times

He shot a glance, over his spectacles, toward an aide.

The New Yorker

Then she shot a glance at the audience: "I am 24".

The New York Times - Arts

He shot a glance at his son and they smiled at each other.

The New York Times

He also appealed for adequate funding for the S.E.C., shooting a glance at Mr. Cantor and his fellow Republicans.

The New York Times

Hernandez flipped the ball high into the air and shot a glance at Winn, then fired a fastball inside, forcing him to jump out of the way.

The New York Times - Sports

Neagle threw two more pitches out of the strike zone, another walk, then shot a glance in the direction of the Yankees' dugout.

The New York Times - Sports

Seeing none, he shot a glance to cue his friends, who positioned their hands on their guitars and leapt into a popular Mexican ballad that describes a Salvadoran immigrant's struggle to reach the United States.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shoot a glance" to convey a quick, often subtle or furtive look. It adds a sense of immediacy and can suggest nervousness, suspicion, or a desire to be discreet. Consider using it when the context requires a brief and intentional look.

Common error

Avoid using "shoot a glance" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions of glances and looks by using alternatives like "cast a glance" or "give a quick look" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoot a glance" functions as an idiomatic expression describing the act of quickly looking at someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples show its use to convey subtle, often furtive, observation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shoot a glance" is a grammatically sound and usable idiomatic phrase that describes a quick, often subtle, look. Ludwig AI and the available examples confirm its usage, primarily within news and media contexts. While acceptable, it's important to use the phrase judiciously and consider alternatives like "cast a glance" to avoid repetition. The neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cast a glance

Emphasizes the action of directing one's gaze briefly.

throw a look

Similar to casting, but can imply more force or intention.

steal a glance

Suggests a hidden or surreptitious look.

direct a glance

Emphasizes intention and controlled movement of the eyes

give a quick look

Highlights the speed and brevity of the look.

flick a glance

Suggests a very brief and subtle movement of the eyes.

dart a glance

Highlights the suddenness and quickness of the look.

flash a look

Emphasizes the fleeting nature of the glance.

take a peek

Implies a secretive or furtive glance.

skim a look

Implies a superficial or cursory glance.

FAQs

What does "shoot a glance" mean?

"Shoot a glance" means to look quickly at someone or something, often in a subtle or furtive way. It implies a brief and intentional look.

What can I say instead of "shoot a glance"?

You can use alternatives like "cast a glance", "give a quick look", or "steal a glance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "shot a glance" instead of "shoot a glance"?

Yes, "shot a glance" is the past tense form of "shoot a glance" and is grammatically correct when describing a past action. Both are acceptable depending on the context.

What is the difference between "shoot a glance" and "give a meaningful look"?

"Shoot a glance" implies a quick and often subtle look, while "give a meaningful look" suggests a more prolonged and expressive look intended to convey a specific message or emotion.