look (someone) in the eye

1 of 2

idiom (1)

: to look directly at (someone who is also looking at one)

I wasn't afraid to look him (right) in the eye and tell him just what I thought of him!

look someone in the eye

2 of 2

idiom (2)

: to look directly at someone

She looked me (right) in the eye and told me I was fired.

Examples of look (someone) in the eye in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Idiom

The traditional players in this arena (from business schools to consulting firms), are no longer the only answer. Consider the senior executive who is coached to look someone in the eye; speak in a calm manner; and drop the tone of their voice at the end of each sentence. —

Lynette Tan, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 As people became more and more fixated on their electronic devices, the ability to look someone in the eye and converse withered. —

Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2024 The ability to show up at a branch and look someone in the eye can help. —

Ron Lieber, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2023 Spicer never wanted any barista to have to look someone in the eye with nothing to offer. —

Rachel Fradette, The Indianapolis Star, 7 Mar. 2022

Dictionary Entries Near look (someone) in the eye

look snappy

look (someone) in the eye

look someone in the eye

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Look (someone) in the eye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/look%20%28someone%29%20in%20the%20eye. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Copy Citation