stare down

Idioms  

1. 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]

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

stare down

It’s not enough for a film to explain its meaning; it must also say something about that message and its broader significance to stare down the “classic” label.

From Salon ● Jul. 22, 2026

While brave founders voted for liberty, the general had to stare down the British army.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026

I’m sadly reminded of colleagues who never recovered, a sobering thought as we stare down the barrel of yet another employment crisis.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 18, 2026

Ben Stokes's men will have to produce something extra special as they stare down the barrel of a 435-run target for victory.

From Barron's ● Dec. 20, 2025

As Rondell climbed into the backseat I turned to Mong, who’d been watching me stare down his cousin the whole time.

From "We Were Here" by Matt De La Peña