look daggers at sb

Определение и Значение "[look] daggers at {sb}"

to look daggers at sb

to look at a person in a way that shows one hates them or is very angry with them

What is the origin of the idiom "look daggers at someone" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "look daggers at someone" is linked to the historical association of daggers or knives with threat and danger. In centuries past, people commonly carried daggers, which were sharp and potentially lethal weapons. The act of looking at someone with intense anger or hostility, often accompanied by sharp or piercing glares, was likened to threatening them with a metaphorical dagger or knife. It is often used in situations of conflict, disagreement, or when someone's behavior or actions are seen as unacceptable.

Пример

When Sarah arrived late for the meeting, her boss looked daggers at her, clearly displeased with her tardiness.

The teacher caught the students passing notes in class and looked daggers at them to signal their disruptive behavior was not acceptable.

When the mischievous child spilled juice all over the freshly cleaned floor, the parent looked daggers at them, conveying both frustration and disappointment.