ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dirty look

idiom
Meaning

An unpleasant or disdainful look or expression, often directed at someone.


Examples
SIMPLE

She gave me a dirty look when I arrived late.

CONTEXTUAL

I accidentally knocked over his coffee, and he gave me such a dirty look that I felt terrible.

COMPLEX

The professor cast a sharp, dirty look toward the back of the room, effectively silencing the students who were whispering during the lecture.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  2. 02

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  3. 03

    butcher's

    [Cockney slang]look

  4. 04

    dirty laundry

    Unflattering or embarrassing facts, or questionable activities that one wants to remain secret, but which someone else may use as blackmail.

  5. 05

    dirty money

    Money that is illegally gained, illegally transferred or illegally utilized, especially money gained through forgery, bribery, prostitution, money laundering, or theft.

  6. 06

    dirty pool

    Foul play; misconduct; underhandedness.

  7. 07

    dirty word

    The name of a topic that a person prefers not to hear or discuss.

  8. 08

    dirty work

    One or more unpleasant tasks, assignments, or employment duties, especially those of a disreputable or illicit nature.

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