PhrasesHub

uncomfortable glances

    Definitions

      • Express unease or discomfort
        This phrase is often used to describe the indirect, non-verbal signals or looks that people give to each other to communicate their discomfort or unease in a particular situation, environment, or while discussing a certain topic.

      • Indicate disagreement or disapproval
        "Uncomfortable glances" can also be used to subtly express disagreement, disapproval, or dissatisfaction with something that is being said or done, without explicitly stating these feelings.

      • Signal fear or anxiety
        The phrase may also be used to refer to the anxious or fearful looks that people exchange when they are in a threatening or stressful situation and are unsure of what to do or how to react.

    Examples of uncomfortable glances

    • During the job interview, the candidate's responses left the hiring manager with several uncomfortable glances from the other interviewers in the room.

      In this example, "uncomfortable glances" is being used to describe the disapproving or skeptical looks exchanged between the other interviewers in response to the candidate's interview performance, making the situation awkward and unpleasant for everyone involved.

    • As the couple argued loudly in the crowded restaurant, other patrons cast uncomfortable glances in their direction, trying to avoid getting caught up in the dispute.

      Here, "uncomfortable glances" is being used to describe the unwanted attention and awkward feeling that arises when people overhear or witness an intense argument between others, causing them to feel uneasy and uncomfortable in their own space.

    • When the teacher accidentally walked into the wrong classroom during the exam, the students in the room exchanged uncomfortable glances, realizing that an intruder was present and disrupting the test.

      In this situation, "uncomfortable glances" is being used to describe the sense of discomfort and unease that arises when an unexpected event occurs, causing students to exchange suspicious, uncomfortable looks as they try to figure out what is going on and how to handle the situation.

    • As the team struggled to come up with a solution to the problem, their manager gave them several uncomfortable glances, clearly dissatisfied with their lack of progress and pressure to perform.

      Here, "uncomfortable glances" is being used to describe the tense and uneasy feeling that arises when a superior or authority figure displays displeasure, disappointment, or dissatisfaction with their subordinates' work or performance, causing the team to feel uncomfortable and unsure of how to proceed.

    • The two strangers in the crowded elevator exchanged uncomfortable glances before one of them finally pressed the button for their floor and quickly stepped out.

      This example uses the idiom "uncomfortable glances" to describe the awkward eye contact between two people who don't know each other. It conveys a sense of unease or discomfort in the situation.

    • During the job interview, the candidate couldn't help but notice the interviewer's uncomfortable glances, making them feel uneasy and unsure about their performance.

      This example shows how the use of the idiom "uncomfortable glances" can convey not only the physical act of eye contact, but also the emotional response it elicits in the person being looked at.

    • At the family dinner, the argument between my aunt and uncle led to a series of uncomfortable glances and tense silence.

      This example demonstrates how the use of the idiom "uncomfortable glances" can also be used to describe the aftermath of a negative interaction, where the discomfort and tension is palpable in the room.

    • The audience gave the performer a few uncomfortable glances, causing them to falter and forget their lines.

      This example shows how the use of the idiom "uncomfortable glances" can have a negative impact on the person being looked at, in this case, causing them to lose confidence and suffer a setback.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "uncomfortable glances" is a versatile phrase that can be used to express a range of negative emotions, from unease and discomfort to disagreement, disapproval, fear, and anxiety, all without having to use words. These glances can be exchanged between any number of people and in any type of situation, whether it's at a social gathering, in a professional setting, or in a dangerous or stressful circumstance. The specific meaning of the phrase is usually determined by the context in which it is used. For instance, "uncomfortable glances" exchanged at a meeting might indicate disagreement with a proposed plan of action, while similar glances exchanged in a tense situation might signal fear or anxiety.

    Origin of "uncomfortable glances"

    The phrase "uncomfortable glances" has no specific origin story since it's more of a descriptive phrase rather than a traditional idiom. The word "uncomfortable" comes from the Old French word "desconforter" meaning "to discourage" or "to make uneasy", while "glance" comes from the Middle English word "glenten" meaning "to glance, strike obliquely". Over the years, the phrase has been used in literature and everyday language to describe the subtle, non-verbal cues that people use to communicate their emotions, particularly those of unease or discomfort.