sideways glance

USAGE SUMMARY

"sideways glance" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to look at something or someone quickly and with a slight turn of the head. Example: She gave him a sideways glance before turning away, her expression unreadable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A wink, a smile, a sideways glance.

The New Yorker

Then he cast a sideways glance at the event organizers.

The New York Times

Mr. Mele shot a sideways glance at the "lawyers".

The New York Times - Style

Her deputy, Ivani Pavoski, throws her a shrewd sideways glance.

The Guardian

He's become expert at the menacing sideways glance, the unexpected snarl, the feral grin.

Independent

He raises his hands in frustration, or shoots a sideways glance at the perpetrator in disgust.

The New York Times - Sports

They will note every sideways glance between a star and his coach.

The New York Times - Sports

She threw a sideways glance at her seatmate, checking to see if she was impressed.

The New Yorker

He gives this sideways glance where he's contemplating what's happening next.

The New York Times

Whereupon, with a sideways glance, he handed me a piece of paper.

The New York Times

We're not afraid of them," says Noriah Dalamba, a village official, with a sideways glance.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "sideways glance" to add depth and subtext to dialogue or narration. For instance, instead of saying "He was suspicious," write "He cast a sideways glance at the stranger".

Common error

Avoid using "sideways glance" when a direct, confrontational look is more appropriate. A "sideways glance" implies subtlety, while a direct stare suggests boldness or aggression.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase acting as a descriptive element. "Sideways glance" typically functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of look or gaze. Ludwig examples show it often modifies verbs of action like "give", "throw", or "cast", adding detail about how someone is looking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sideways glance" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a quick, indirect look. According to Ludwig, this phrase is particularly effective in conveying subtle emotions like suspicion or curiosity without explicitly stating them. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for various writing contexts. Understanding its function and purpose can enhance a writer's ability to add depth and subtext to their narratives, with alternative phrases like ""furtive look"" offering nuanced variations. By recognizing its common usage and avoiding misinterpretations, writers can effectively employ "sideways glance" to enrich their descriptive prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sidelong look

Similar to "sideways glance" but can also imply suspicion or distrust.

furtive look

Implies a secretive or cautious observation, highlighting the hidden nature of the glance.

oblique gaze

Emphasizes the indirectness and subtlety of the look.

stealthy peek

Conveys a sense of secrecy or covert observation.

casual glance

Indicates a quick, seemingly unimportant look to the side.

coy look

Implies a shy or flirtatious sideways glance.

quick peek

Highlights the brevity and inquisitiveness of the action.

glancing aside

Describes the action of looking away briefly.

averted gaze

Focuses on the avoidance of direct eye contact.

peripheral vision

Refers to noticing something out of the corner of your eye.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sideways glance" in a sentence?

Use "sideways glance" to subtly convey a character's emotions or intentions without explicitly stating them. For example, "She gave him a "furtive look", indicating her suspicion".

What are some alternatives to "sideways glance"?

You can use alternatives like "sidelong look", "oblique gaze", or "quick peek" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sideways glance" a formal or informal expression?

"Sideways glance" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and situation.

What does a "sideways glance" typically imply?

A "sideways glance" often implies suspicion, curiosity, discomfort, or a desire to avoid direct confrontation. It can also convey coyness or flirtation, depending on the context.