stare coldly

[/stɛr ˈkoʊldli/]
verb phrase
olhar friamente
1. to look at someone with a fixed, unwavering gaze that conveys indifference, disapproval, or hostility
She stared coldly at him across the room, making her disapproval clear without saying a word.
Ela o olhou friamente pela sala, deixando clara sua desaprovação sem dizer uma palavra.
2. to gaze with a hard, emotionless expression devoid of warmth or friendliness
The judge stared coldly at the defendant during the testimony.
O juiz olhou friamente para o réu durante o depoimento.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian contexts to describe non-verbal communication of disapproval or anger. In professional and social settings, a cold stare is understood as a powerful form of silent communication expressing contempt or disagreement. The expression is frequently used in literature, film, and everyday conversation to convey emotional tension or conflict without explicit verbal confrontation.
NYC Slang
give someone the ice-cold stare / ice someone out with your eyes
Synonyms / Sinônimos
glare atstare harshlylook icilygive a cold lookeye coldly
Antonyms / Antônimos
smile warmlylook affectionatelygaze tenderlyregard kindly

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
olhar friamente
standard and widely used expression
São Paulo
encarar friamente
alternative with slightly more intensity
Rio de Janeiro
olhar de forma gelada
more descriptive variant
Portugal
olhar friamente / encarar com frieza
both expressions are used similarly to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

cold stareicy gazepiercing lookstern expressionhostile glance

Related Idioms & Phrases

stare someone down
give someone a cold shoulder
look daggers at someone
if looks could kill
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