# steal a glance

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/steal-a-glance
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To look quickly at someone or something, hoping that nobody notices the action.

## Examples

- He stole a glance at his watch during the long meeting.
- She stole a glance at the person sitting across from her to see if they were watching her too.
- Throughout the formal dinner, he repeatedly stole a glance at the mysterious letter tucked inside his jacket pocket, unable to focus on the conversation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.