if looks could kill

[ if looks kood kil ]

idiom

1. (used to remark on an obviously disgusted, disapproving, or angry look from someone):

   If looks could kill, his scowl would have slain the manager on the spot.

   She didn’t say anything—but if looks could kill, I’d be dead right now.

Word History and Origins

Origin of if looks could kill¹

First recorded in 1710–20

Example Sentences

“If looks could kill I’d be a dead woman,” England said.

From Washington Times

If ever a face meant death—if looks could kill—we saw it at that moment.

From Literature

If looks could kill, Boz surely would not have survived the night.

From Washington Post

His eyes burned like a thousand red-hot coals, and if looks could kill....What am I saying?

From Literature

If looks could kill, you’d be dead already: Sasha Luss plays the eponymous model/assassin in “Anna,” writer-director Luc Besson’s twisty 2019 Cold war-era action thriller.

From Los Angeles Times