withering eyes

USAGE SUMMARY

'withering eyes' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a facial expression of extreme disapproval or disdain. For example, "The teacher gave the student a withering look with her sharp, withering eyes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Back then, IM and Track were protected from withering eyes by the random failures of the whole system; today the complete absence of real time network effects shifts the blame squarely on the the social media crowd and their inability to consolidate value.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Naturally, Ms. Adichie has a withering eye for the kind of person who cares only about a book's quota of big words.

The New York Times - Books

In any case, Mrs. Thatcher leaned forward in her armchair, studying me for a moment with a withering eye, before expressing her astonishment.

The New York Times

His caustic lyrics often cast a withering eye on crumbling social conventions and the shady, high rollers of a corrupt, philistine culture.

The New York Times - Arts

Her timing is peerless; she can win a belly laugh just by placing a basso-profundo emphasis on a single word; and she's the reigning stage mistress of the withering eye roll discernible from the back row.

The New York Times

The so-called leisure class has never been more harried.Racing to the topWriting in 1962, Sebastian de Grazia, a political scientist, cast a withering eye across the great American landscape, dismayed by all the relentless industry and consumption.

The Economist

Long before Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, would cast her withering eye around the goings on at Downton Abbey, its creator, Julian Fellowes, was a teenager, sitting in the hush of the Old Vic theatre.

The Guardian

This smart, finely acted film assesses the toxicity of celebrity with a withering eye, but refrains from judging the chilly star (the director Agnès Jaoui, who suggests a Gallic Sarah Michelle Gellar) or her doting acolyte (Karin Viard) too harshly.

The New York Times

And when the authorities finally track the group down, Morris doesn't spare them his withering eye: the cops are as incompetent as everyone else, despite their veneer of technological sophistication.

The Guardian - Film

But carrying those multiple burdens, as well as fighting under the withering eye of Conor McGregor, the Irish-born Ultimate Fighting Championship superstar who was on his way to a $100 million payday against Floyd Mayweather Jr., proved to be a little too heavy for Conlan, then 25, who labored to a third-round technical knockout over the journeyman Tim Ibarra.

The New York Times - Sports

LONDON — The British member of Parliament fixed a withering eye on Frederick A. Goodwin, the former chief executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland, now government-owned, and put the question to him: "Do you have a different moral compass from other bankers?" he asked.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "withering eyes," ensure that the context clearly supports the expression of intense disapproval or scorn. This will enhance the impact of the description and avoid any unintended misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "withering eyes" to describe a simple, fleeting expression of annoyance. The term implies a deep-seated disdain or intense disapproval, not a momentary irritation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withering eyes" functions as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "eyes." It vividly portrays a specific quality of the eyes, conveying a sense of intense disapproval or scorn, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "withering eyes" is used to describe a look of intense disapproval or disdain. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and can be effectively used in writing to create a vivid image of someone expressing strong negativity through their gaze. While relatively uncommon, it’s most frequently found in News & Media. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly supports the expression of intense disapproval or scorn. Alternatives such as "scathing gaze" or "contemptuous look" can also be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scathing gaze

This alternative replaces "withering" with "scathing", emphasizing the harsh and critical nature of the look.

disapproving stare

This option uses "disapproving" and "stare" to highlight the expression of disapproval conveyed through a prolonged look.

contemptuous look

This phrase substitutes "withering" with "contemptuous", focusing on the feeling of contempt expressed in the look.

piercing glare

This phrase emphasizes the intensity of the look, suggesting that it is sharp and penetrating.

cold stare

This option focuses on the unemotional and unfriendly aspect of the look.

critical gaze

This alternative highlights the judgmental aspect of the look.

sharp look

This is a more general alternative that suggests a keen or intense observation.

stern look

This option implies a serious and authoritative expression.

unforgiving eyes

This alternative highlights the lack of leniency or sympathy in the expression.

icy glare

This phrase emphasizes the cold and distant nature of the look.

FAQs

How can I use "withering eyes" in a sentence?

You can use "withering eyes" to describe a character's expression of extreme disapproval or disdain, for example, "The teacher gave the student a withering look with her sharp, withering eyes."

What does "withering eyes" mean?

"Withering eyes" describes a facial expression of extreme disapproval, scorn, or contempt. It suggests a look that is so intense it could metaphorically cause someone to shrink or feel diminished.

Are there other ways to describe a disapproving look?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "scathing gaze", "disapproving stare", or "contemptuous look" depending on the context.

Is "withering eyes" a common expression?

While not exceedingly common, "withering eyes" is a recognizable and impactful expression, particularly in descriptive writing or narrative contexts to convey a strong emotional response.