stare down
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Cause someone to waver or give in by or as if by being stared at. For example, Insisting on a better room, he stared down the manager until he got it. This expression alludes to staring at someone without being the first to blink or lower one's gaze. [Mid-1800s]
QUIZ
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Question 1 of 9
Which of the following nouns has an irregular plural form?
Words nearby stare down
star drill, stardust, stare, stared, stare decisis, stare down, stare in the face, stare out, starets, star facet, starfish
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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