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

As George passed along with his guide they eyed him with much disfavour, without moving from their particular position of ease, and if looks could kill, he would never have reached the officer's hut alive.

From Under the Rebel's Reign by Neufeld, Charles

His face was crimson and if looks could kill, Tony Mack would have fallen dead in the middle of his sniggers.

From Lucy Maud Montgomery Short Stories, 1904 by Montgomery, L. M. (Lucy Maud)