Be staring something in the face
phrase
To be very close to a problem but not recognize or deal with it.
We need to address climate change; we are staring catastrophe in the face!
Often appears as...
- staring disaster in the face
- staring defeat in the face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be directly threatened by something.
If the virus continues to spread at this rate, we will be staring disaster in the face.
Often appears as...
- staring risk in the face
- staring danger in the face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To confront or come face to face with, especially without intimidation.
Ignoring the issue will not make it go away; we have to stare it in the face.
Often appears as...
- staring truth in the face
- staring reality in the face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be very close to a problem but not recognize or deal with it.
We need to address climate change; we are staring catastrophe in the face!
Often appears as...
- staring disaster in the face
- staring defeat in the face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be directly threatened by something.
If the virus continues to spread at this rate, we will be staring disaster in the face.
Often appears as...
- staring risk in the face
- staring danger in the face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To confront or come face to face with, especially without intimidation.
Ignoring the issue will not make it go away; we have to stare it in the face.
Often appears as...
- staring truth in the face
- staring reality in the face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Imminent Problem
Suggests a pressing issue is very close and unavoidable, yet unrecognized.
With their resources depleting, they were staring a crisis in the face.
Pro Tip 2/2Unacknowledged Issue
Indicates a lack of action despite being close to a serious problem.
He's failing most of his classes and is staring failure in the face.
Pro Tip 1/2Imminent Problem
Suggests a pressing issue is very close and unavoidable, yet unrecognized.
With their resources depleting, they were staring a crisis in the face.
Pro Tip 2/2Unacknowledged Issue
Indicates a lack of action despite being close to a serious problem.
He's failing most of his classes and is staring failure in the face.
Pro Tip 1/2Imminent Problem
Suggests a pressing issue is very close and unavoidable, yet unrecognized.
With their resources depleting, they were staring a crisis in the face.
Pro Tip 2/2Unacknowledged Issue
Indicates a lack of action despite being close to a serious problem.
He's failing most of his classes and is staring failure in the face.
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