stare down

Idioms  

1. Cause someone to waver or give in by or as if by being stared at. For example, Insisting on a better room, he stared down the manager until he got it. This expression alludes to staring at someone without being the first to blink or lower one's gaze. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

Meantime, holiday travelers will stare down an average nationwide gasoline price of $4.08 a gallon, and pay airfares that have skyrocketed with energy costs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

By taking on Brontë’s book, Fennell was doomed to stare down millions of overly pedantic literature sticklers, people who prefer their adaptations pure and untainted.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026

Ben Stokes's men will have to produce something extra special as they stare down the barrel of a 435-run target for victory.

From Barron's • Dec. 20, 2025

A long and intense stare down ensued at the face-off, although there was no repeat of February's infamous news conference when Eubank Jr slapped Benn with an egg.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2025

I pick up a cup with mystery yellow fluid and stare down at it.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera