staring down death

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "staring down death" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is facing a life-threatening situation or confronting their mortality. Example: "In his final moments, he found the strength to keep staring down death with courage and resolve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Gangstas who depict death as a way of life are drawn to crucified Jesus not because they want to die, but because staring down death makes them feel most alive.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Anthony Dean Griffey was the tenor for "Das Lied". He must sing of drink and carousing while staring down dark death, and Griffey did so, going on with disquieting abandon.

Los Angeles Times

Maybe that's where you end up staring down sex and death and blowing hundreds of millions of dollars searching for something forever out of reach.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, the Administration was staring down the end of its tenure.

The New Yorker

But staring down a painful early death has a way of making people rethink life.

Vice

Now, as the Edward Snowden affair moves on into what already feels like its 91st week, Obama is staring down his own personal Watergate – a death-by-a-thousand-cuts fall from grace.

Vice

In a sense his new film, "Amour," continues in that vein by staring down the least palatable of subjects: aging, sickness and death.

The New York Times

At least once a week, it seems, he reminds some audience that the union once "wished for my death," as if he were Robert Kennedy staring down the Teamsters.

The New York Times - Magazine

The staring down.

The Guardian - Opinion

CRONY 3 (staring down PLAYER): You might?

The New York Times

Staring down the riot police is another.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "staring down death" to add a sense of drama and intensity when describing a situation where someone is facing imminent danger or contemplating their mortality.

Common error

Avoid using "staring down death" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Opt for simpler, more direct language when the situation doesn't warrant such dramatic phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "staring down death" functions as a verbal phrase that often acts as a predicate in a sentence. The single Ludwig example show how gangstas are using this verb to empower the feeling of being alive when facing death.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "staring down death" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe facing imminent danger or mortality. Ludwig AI highlights its usage, primarily in News & Media contexts, to add intensity and drama to a situation. While grammatically sound, be mindful of overuse and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. The single Ludwig examples show how gangstas are using this verb to empower the feeling of being alive when facing death. Related phrases like "facing death" or "confronting mortality" can provide alternative options depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facing death

This alternative is more direct and literal, focusing on the act of facing mortality.

confronting mortality

This alternative is more formal and philosophical, emphasizing the recognition of one's own mortality.

in the face of death

This alternative emphasizes the presence and imminence of death.

facing one's end

This alternative focuses on the finality of life and the approach of death.

at the brink of death

This alternative emphasizes being extremely close to death, on the edge of it.

on death's door

This alternative highlights being close to dying.

meeting one's maker

This alternative is more religious and spiritual, suggesting an encounter with God.

defying death

This alternative implies resistance and survival against the odds.

tempting fate

This alternative suggests taking risks that could lead to death.

flirting with death

This alternative emphasizes a playful yet dangerous approach to life-threatening situations.

FAQs

How can I use "staring down death" in a sentence?

You can use "staring down death" to describe situations where someone is facing a life-threatening experience or contemplating their mortality. For example: "The soldier kept "staring down death" during the battle, yet he fought with courage and resolve."

What are some alternatives to "staring down death"?

Alternatives include "facing death", "confronting mortality", or "in the face of death", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "staring down death" a formal or informal expression?

"Staring down death" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both news reports and descriptive writing. However, it leans toward a slightly more dramatic tone, so consider your audience and context.

What's the difference between "facing death" and "staring down death"?

"Facing death" is a more direct and general term for acknowledging impending mortality. "Staring down death" implies a more intense and direct confrontation with the possibility of dying, often suggesting courage or defiance in the face of it.