steely-eyed

English

Etymology

From steely +‎ eyed.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈstiːliˌaɪd/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈstiliˌaɪd/

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Adjective

steely-eyed (comparative more steely-eyed, superlative most steely-eyed)

1. (idiomatic) Having a hard, strong, and determined look about oneself.

   Synonym: flint-eyed

2. (idiomatic) Having a hard, strong, and determined mentality or mindset.

   Synonyms: diehard, hardcore, steely-nerved, steely-spined, tough as nails

   • 2019 April 14, Alex McLevy, “Winter is Here on Game of Thrones’ Final Season Premiere (Newbies)”, in The A.V. Club‎^[1], archived from the original on 18 December 2020:

     Her steely-eyed control of emotion has become such a reliable source of strength and enjoyment in the last two seasons, it's genuinely moving to see her defenses fall in the face of long-lost friends and family.

Derived terms

• steely-eyed missile man

See also

• bright-eyed
• clear-eyed
• sharp-eyed