stare-down
phrasal verb & noun

- to look into someone's eyes for a long time until they feel embarrassed and are forced to look away

- to stare back at (another) until the gaze of the one stared at is turned away

Oxford Learner’s Dictionary / Collins Dictionary

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PHRASE ORIGIN

The earliest known use of “stare-down” was in the 1950s. Although its etymology is obscure, we do know more about the related term "stand-off", which is sometimes used interchangeably with "stare-down”.

“Stand-off" is derived from the concept of a "Mexican standoff”, which is a situation where two or more parties are in a confrontation and neither side is willing to back down, leading to a stalemate. The term "Mexican standoff" is believed to have originated from a scene in the 1960s television series "Gunsmoke”, where a standoff between two cowboys occurred in Mexico.

The phrase "stand-off" itself is related to the verb "stand”, which comes from the Old English word standan, meaning "to occupy a place; stand firm”.

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THE ART OF THE GAZE

1. Amount of Eye-Contact
The amount of direct eye contact during a conversation ranges from 30% to 60%, with women tending to make more eye contact than men.

2. Perceptions of Excess
Too much eye contact can be perceived as rude, hostile, or condescending, and may signal a deliberate intent to dominate or intimidate.

3. Perceptions of Insufficiency
Too little eye contact can make a person appear uneasy, unprepared, unconfident, and insincere.

4. Connection with Survival
Eye contact is linked to fundamental survival mechanisms; children who maintained eye contact historically had better chances of receiving care and attention.

5. Avoidance in Crowded Spaces
People typically avoid eye contact in crowded or confined spaces like elevators and subways to manage discomfort from personal space invasion.

6. Myth about Liars
Contrary to popular belief, not all liars avoid eye contact; some may overcompensate by making excessive eye contact.

7. Influence on Perceived Confidence
Speakers who seek out eye contact are often perceived as being more believable, confident, and competent.

8. East Asian Cultures
In East Asian cultures, such as Japan, people are taught to avoid direct eye contact with others, as it is often considered disrespectful. Japanese children are even taught to look at others' necks instead of their eyes to maintain a respectful distance.

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SYNONYMS

eye contact, fixate, gaze, give someone a death stare (a withering look, the evil eye), glare, lock eyes, ogle, peer, rivet, stare, STARE-DOWN, stare out, watch intently

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation, say something like:

“Next time you feel threatened by a co-worker or superior, give the STARE-DOWN a try and you’ll feel your confidence increase.“

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