Be staring somebody in the face
phrase
To be very obvious or easy to see or notice.
The answer was staring him in the face, but he still didn't understand the problem.
Often appears as...
- problem was staring him in the face
- solution was staring her in the face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be about to happen or about to be experienced, especially something unpleasant.
We could see that defeat was staring us in the face.
Often appears as...
- defeat was staring us in the face
- failure was staring him in the face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be very obvious or easy to see or notice.
The answer was staring him in the face, but he still didn't understand the problem.
Often appears as...
- problem was staring him in the face
- solution was staring her in the face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be about to happen or about to be experienced, especially something unpleasant.
We could see that defeat was staring us in the face.
Often appears as...
- defeat was staring us in the face
- failure was staring him in the face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Missed Obviousness
Sometimes people miss something right under their nose; this phrase highlights that oversight.
The keys were staring her in the face, yet she searched the whole house.
Pro Tip 2/3Sudden Realization
Use this when someone finally notices something that should have been obvious all along.
After hours of work, the solution was staring him in the face.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase isn't about actual staring, but about realizing something is very clear.
With all clues laid out, the truth was staring them in the face.
Pro Tip 1/3Missed Obviousness
Sometimes people miss something right under their nose; this phrase highlights that oversight.
The keys were staring her in the face, yet she searched the whole house.
Pro Tip 2/3Sudden Realization
Use this when someone finally notices something that should have been obvious all along.
After hours of work, the solution was staring him in the face.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase isn't about actual staring, but about realizing something is very clear.
With all clues laid out, the truth was staring them in the face.
Pro Tip 1/3Missed Obviousness
Sometimes people miss something right under their nose; this phrase highlights that oversight.
The keys were staring her in the face, yet she searched the whole house.
Pro Tip 2/3Sudden Realization
Use this when someone finally notices something that should have been obvious all along.
After hours of work, the solution was staring him in the face.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase isn't about actual staring, but about realizing something is very clear.
With all clues laid out, the truth was staring them in the face.
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