shrewd gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrewd gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's perceptive or astute way of looking at something, often implying that they are able to understand or assess a situation quickly and accurately. Example: "She observed the negotiations with a shrewd gaze, picking up on the subtle cues that others missed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

She pauses long enough to turn that shrewd gaze on me and after a moment I look away.

The New Yorker

What they beheld — a fleshy middle-aged man with the shrewd gaze of a car salesman — probably didn't coincide with the vision in their mind.

The New York Times - Arts

Not much escapes the shrewd gaze from what one US film critic once described as '.45 calibre eyes that will plug holes in your sitting room wall'.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The novel also turns a shrewd gaze on shifting fashions in mind-altering substances – from Valium and Rioja to acid and dope – and the quest for an escape from the tyranny of time that each represents.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He is shrewd on what he calls "the Jim Crow gaze," a dead look that marks "the refusal, evident in the aggressor's eyes, to see you as sympathetic, to see you as a worthy, equal subject".

The New York Times - Books

On Wednesday, her precise reading of Stevie Nicks's "Landslide" removed the swirling scarves from around a song that emerged as the shrewd self-assessment of rock 'n' roll vagabond gazing steadily into the future.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet when she paused to fix her gaze on people, her piercing glances revealed that this shrew was shrewd and had no use for foolishness or pretension.

The New York Times - Arts

Charlie was shrewd.

The New Yorker

Whose gaze?

The New York Times - Arts

But Pleble was shrewd.

The New Yorker

That's shrewd politics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrewd gaze" when you want to emphasize someone's ability to quickly and accurately assess a situation based on their observation. It's particularly effective in describing characters in literature or individuals in high-stakes scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "shrewd gaze" to describe casual or mundane observations. The phrase implies a significant level of insight and assessment, so reserve it for situations where genuine intelligence or perception is being displayed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrewd gaze" functions as a descriptive element, adding depth to characterization or scene-setting. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies an intelligent and perceptive observation. It modifies the noun 'gaze' to highlight the quality of perception.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrewd gaze" is a phrase used to describe someone looking with intelligence and keen perception. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although it is not very frequently used. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts to add depth to descriptions, suggesting an insightful observation. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to maintain its impact, avoiding overuse in mundane situations. Consider alternatives like "shrewd look" or "discerning gaze" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shrewd look

Replaces "gaze" with a more general term for looking, suggesting a quick assessment.

penetrating gaze

Emphasizes the intensity and depth of the look, suggesting insight.

discerning gaze

Highlights the ability to differentiate and understand subtle details.

intelligent gaze

Directly attributes intelligence to the way someone is looking.

astute observation

Shifts from the act of looking to the resulting insightful understanding.

perceptive stare

Uses "stare" to convey a fixed and intent look, while maintaining the sense of understanding.

sharp gaze

Emphasizes the keenness and focus of the look.

knowing glance

Implies a subtle communication of understanding through a brief look.

wise observation

Highlights the wisdom gained from carefully looking.

cunning look

Suggests a deceptive or manipulative intelligence in the way someone looks.

FAQs

What does "shrewd gaze" mean?

A "shrewd gaze" refers to a way of looking at someone or something that suggests intelligence, insight, and a quick understanding of the situation.

What can I say instead of "shrewd gaze"?

You can use alternatives like "shrewd look", "penetrating gaze", or "discerning gaze" depending on the context.

How to use "shrewd gaze" in a sentence?

Example: "She observed the negotiations with a "shrewd gaze", picking up on the subtle cues that others missed."

Is "shrewd gaze" formal or informal?

"Shrewd gaze" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in descriptive writing or situations where observation and assessment are key elements.