be staring in the face

Meaning

1. Oxford67% of films

   to be obvious or easy to see

   It's been staring us in the face all along.

   We have all been blind And yet the answer is staring us in the face This could be the Chance To ensnare our Clever friend - We're listening - Go on We shall play his game Perform his work But remember, we hold the ace For if Miss Daae sings He is certain to attend - We are certain the doors are barred - We are certain the police are there We are certain they're armed The Curtain falls His reign will end

2. Oxford33% of films

   to be unable to avoid sth

   SIMPLE STRAIGHT- FORWARD ADHERENCE TO RULES AND REGULATIONS WHICH I HAVE CLEARLY DELINEATED FOR YOU, MISS SHIRLEY.

In the movies · 3

• It's been staring us in the face all along.David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet2020
• SIMPLE STRAIGHT- FORWARD ADHERENCE TO RULES AND REGULATIONS WHICH I HAVE CLEARLY DELINEATED FOR YOU, MISS SHIRLEY.Anne of Avonlea1987
• We have all been blind And yet the answer is staring us in the face This could be the Chance To ensnare our Clever friend - We're listening - Go on We shall play his game Perform his work But remember, we hold the ace For if Miss Daae sings He is certain to attend - We are certain the doors are barred - We are certain the police are there We are certain they're armed The Curtain falls His reign will endThe Phantom of the Opera2004
• Staring in the face of danger.Shazam!2019
• What are you staring at? Your face.The Taking of Pelham 1232009
• But the answer's staring you in the face.Bicentennial Man1999
• And it was staring me right in the face.Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery2022
• He would just enjoy looking at people, staring at their faces, just little things.Before Midnight2013

Learn it in full scenes

• Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery2022
  • The Puzzle Box Invitation
  • Miles Welcomes the Group to His Island
  • Miles's Disruption Dinner Speech

From the same entry

• stare out

More idioms

• be written all over face
• come along for the ride
• do your own thing
• drink like a fish
• err on the side of
• fly in the face of
• get under skin
• have eyes in the back of your head
• have your feet on the ground
• have your work cut out
• i beg to differ
• it is just as well