look askance

Idioms  

1. View with mistrust, as in They looked askance at him when he said he'd just made a million in the stock market. The precise feeling conveyed by this expression has varied since it was first used in the 1500s, from envy to contempt to suspicion, although the literal meaning was “look obliquely, with a side glance.” The present sense dates from about 1800. Also see look sideways.

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Example Sentences

For instance, if you took the standard deduction last year and itemized your deductions this year, the IRS would not look askance.

From MarketWatch

Binge on Hallmark movies, force another family screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life”—no one will look askance.

From The Wall Street Journal

Although municipalities can issue tax-exempt debt, credit agencies might look askance at the higher burdens.

From The Wall Street Journal

But they are also likely intended to quell concerns among progressives who might look askance at one factor in Kelly’s Senate record.

From Salon

But prospective lenders began to look askance at First Brands’ earnings.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admonish
• berate
• castigate
• chastise
• chide
• denounce
• discipline
• rebuff
• rebuke
• reprimand
• reproach
• scold