telling glance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "telling glance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look or expression that conveys a significant or revealing message without words. Example: "She gave him a telling glance that made him realize she was upset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Each introductory scene is a vivid and admirably telling glance of who these people are in this moment of their lives.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"This is what happens if your lighting is designed by electricians," Lovins told me, glancing around.

The New Yorker

"Look, this country is so rich you can't believe it," Ahmed Swehli, the English-educated businessman, told me, glancing around.

The New Yorker

Anybody with the mental capacity sufficient to read your newspaper could tell by glancing at approximate figures that the tax due would be zero, as indeed it was.

The Economist

"It's like taking care of a baby," he told me, glancing up.

Vice

The stage is filled with telling gestures, charged glances, meaningful motion.

The New Yorker

It is great for telling you at a glance what you need to pay, and its interface is clean and unfussy.

The New York Times - Tech

Her withering glance told them to stay away.

The New Yorker

"You'll never make it," his farewell glance told me.

The New York Times - Travel

I could tell at a glance that the stone was fake.

The New York Times

A split second glance told me here was a man in extremis.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "telling glance" to concisely convey that a look communicates a message without words. It's particularly effective in narrative writing to quickly establish character emotions or unspoken tension.

Common error

Avoid using "telling glance" when the look is merely observant or neutral. The phrase implies a distinct, understandable message is being conveyed through the eyes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "telling glance" functions as a noun phrase, where "telling" acts as an adjective modifying "glance". It describes a specific type of glance that is communicative and revealing, as supported by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "telling glance" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, though its frequency is rare. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes a look that conveys a significant message without words. While versatile, it's primarily found in News & Media. Consider related phrases like "meaningful look" or "revealing look" for nuanced alternatives. Use it effectively to add depth and subtlety to your writing, but avoid overuse in situations where the glance is merely observational.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meaningful look

Emphasizes the significance and intention behind the look.

speaking glance

Highlights the communicative ability and clarity of the glance.

significant gaze

Highlights the importance and steadiness of the look.

revealing look

Stresses the uncovering or disclosure aspect of the glance.

eloquent expression

Focuses on the expressiveness and articulateness of the facial expression.

disclosing gaze

Similar to "revealing look", focusing on the disclosure aspect, but with a steadier, more intent observation.

expressive gaze

Underscores the communicative power and emotional depth of the gaze.

indicative expression

Highlights that the expression clearly points to or indicates a specific emotion or thought.

loaded look

Implies the look carries a heavy emotional or contextual weight.

knowing glance

Suggests shared understanding or secret knowledge between individuals.

FAQs

What does "telling glance" mean?

A "telling glance" refers to a look or expression that reveals information or feelings without the need for words. It's a concise way to describe a communicative expression.

What can I say instead of "telling glance"?

You can use alternatives like "meaningful look", "significant gaze", or "revealing look" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

How can I effectively use "telling glance" in my writing?

Use "telling glance" to create impactful moments in your narrative by showing character emotions and intentions subtly. It works best when the message conveyed by the glance is clear within the context of the scene.

Is "telling glance" a formal or informal expression?

"Telling glance" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in narrative writing across various genres. Consider the tone of your writing and the specific message you want to convey.