English

Alternative forms

• stare daggers

Verb

look daggers

1. (idiomatic, often followed by at) To stare in a severe, disapproving, or threatening manner, especially without speaking.
   • 1835, Washington Irving, Abbotsford and Newstead Abbey, ch. 1:

     Before him sat the grim baron, with a face worthy of the father of such a daughter, and looking daggers and ratsbane.

   • 1912, Jack London, Smoke Bellew, ch. 2:

     Both employers looked daggers at Kit, for the insult rankled.

   • 1986, Stephen Coonts, Flight of the Intruder (2006 edition), ISBN 9781591141273, p. 116:

     [T]wo hostesses approached and looked daggers at Suzy and Teresa, both of whom glared back.