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

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

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke

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

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

They understood, and showed that they did by obeying, though if looks could kill Frank would have been blasted by the venomous glance that the German leader shot at him.

From Army Boys on German Soil Our Doughboys Quelling the Mobs by Randall, Homer

Bless me, if looks could kill, I'd have a happy death here at your feet, Mistress Margaret.

From The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come by Fox, John