steal a glance

English

Pronunciation

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Verb

steal a glance (third-person singular simple present steals a glance, present participle stealing a glance, simple past stole a glance, past participle stolen a glance)

1. (idiomatic) To look quickly at someone or something, hoping that nobody notices the action.

   Each boy stole a glance at the other and met the same look of disbelief.

   • 2012, David Walliams [pseudonym; David Edward Williams], Ratburger, London: HarperCollins Children’s Books, →ISBN:

     Zoe took a big breath and stood up, and promised herself she would not look back. That promise lasted only a dozen steps, as she couldn’t help stealing a glance one last time to the spot where she left him.