if looks could kill

American  

[if looks kood kil] / ɪf ˈlʊks ˌkʊd ˈkɪl /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of if looks could kill

First recorded in 1710–20

Example Sentences

Bates, playing the paranoid husband, is the quintessential Pinter menace: if looks could kill, the rest of the cast would be dead.

From Time Magazine Archive

Katherine gives me a glare that would stop my heart if looks could kill.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

Heavens, thought Elinor, if looks could kill I’d be pushing up the daisies.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke

The cleric, on whom Mowbray’s reply seemed to have an extraordinary effect, shot glances at both which would have slain them if looks could kill.

From The Great Mogul by Tracy, Louis

But, if looks could kill, the boys would have been blasted by the brooding hate that shot from under his jutting brows.

From Bert Wilson in the Rockies by Duffield, J. W.