steal a glance: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘steal a glance’ mean?
The idiom "steal a glance" means to quickly and discreetly look at something or someone, often when it is not socially acceptable or appropriate to do so.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "throw an eye" means to quickly glance or look at something or someone, usually with curiosity or suspicion.
The idiom "take someone's breath away" means to astonish or amaze someone to the point of leaving them speechless or in awe.
The idiom "take one's leave" means to say goodbye or depart from a place or a person.
The idiom "take one's hook" means to leave or depart, often in a sneaky or secretive manner. It conveys the idea of someone quietly removing themselves from a situation or place.
The idiom "take one's eye off the ball" means to lose focus or become distracted from an important task or goal.
The idiom "take one's chance" means to seize or accept an opportunity or risk without knowing the outcome. It implies a willingness to try despite the uncertainty or potential for failure.
The idiom "take occasion" means to seize or make use of an opportunity or favorable circumstance. It implies the action of recognizing and utilizing a specific event or situation to one's advantage.
The idiom "take no notice of" means to ignore or pay no attention to something or someone. It implies a deliberate act of not acknowledging or responding to a particular situation, remark, or individual.
The idiom "take lightly" means to not take something seriously or to underestimate its importance or impact.
The idiom "take liberties" means to act in a way that is not appropriate or allowed, often by exceeding boundaries or disregarding rules or norms.
Unveiling Secrets
The idiom "steal a glance" is a common phrase in the English language that describes the act of discreetly and quickly looking at something or someone. This phrase is often used to convey a sense of curiosity, interest, or attraction on the part of the person stealing the glance. It originated from the concept of theft, where the word "steal" is used metaphorically to emphasize the secretive nature of the action. The word "glance" refers to a brief and rapid look that does not involve sustained focus or attention. When combined, these words form an idiom that captures the essence of discreetly observing without drawing attention.
The idiom "steal a glance" is primarily used in informal and conversational contexts, adding color and imagery to the description of a quick and secretive act of observation. It allows individuals to convey their intentions or motivations behind the quick glance through their tone, context, and body language. For instance, one might steal a glance at an attractive stranger, quickly look at something without others noticing, or take a furtive peek at an object of interest.
While the idiom "steal a glance" is widely recognized and understood, it does not possess inherent ambiguity or complexity in its meaning. Its straightforwardness contributes to its broad usage and accessibility in everyday conversations. The phrase directly states the action of briefly looking at something or someone without being noticed, without requiring any additional interpretation or analysis.
The idiom "throw an eye" is another common phrase in the English language that is related to "steal a glance." It also describes the act of quickly looking at something or someone, but with a slightly different connotation. While "stealing a glance" implies a sense of secrecy or surreptitiousness, "throwing an eye" suggests a more casual or nonchalant observation. The phrase "throw an eye" can be used interchangeably with "steal a glance" in most contexts, depending on the desired tone or emphasis.
Similarly, the idiom "steal a march" is also related to "steal a glance." While "steal a glance" refers to a quick and discreet look, "steal a march" denotes gaining an advantage or making progress in a surreptitious or unexpected manner. The phrase "steal a march" is often used metaphorically to describe outsmarting or surpassing someone without their awareness or foreknowledge. Although the meanings of these idioms differ slightly, they share the underlying theme of accomplishing something without drawing attention or awareness.
The idiom "steal a glance" captures the essence of discreetly and quickly looking at something or someone. It adds color, imagery, and intrigue to everyday conversations, allowing individuals to convey their intentions or motivations behind the quick glance. The related idioms "throw an eye" and "steal a march" provide alternative ways to describe similar actions or situations. These idioms contribute to the richness and versatility of the English language, allowing for nuanced expressions and interpretations.
Example usage
1. She stole a glance at her watch to check the time before the meeting started.
2. The young man couldn't help but steal a glance at the beautiful girl sitting across from him in the cafe.
3. As the teacher was explaining a difficult concept, the student stole a glance at his notes to make sure he understood it correctly.
More "Visual" idioms
