stare down

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

Benjamin Netanyahu – unmoved by the criticism at home – has previously boasted of his determination in staring down international opposition, and pressing ahead with his offensive in Rafah.

From BBC

They are not behind the trigger; they are the ones most often staring down the barrel.

From Salon

Democrats are staring down a gerrymandering Armageddon, and don’t have a lot of good answers.

From Salon

And just like on Friday, the Dodgers stared down the deficit — and found no way to erase it.

From Los Angeles Times

Once again, here we are — August, staring down the end of another miserable season with the Angels circling the drain.

From Los Angeles Times