look (one) in the eye(s)

To make eye contact with one, typically in a way that is confident or without shame. Look me in the eye and tell me you're not lying. I feel so bad for what I said to Erica. I don't know if I'll ever be able to look her in the eye again. When shaking hands with someone, you should always look them in the eyes.

look someone in the eye

COMMON If you look someone in the eye or look them in the eyes, you look at them directly, often to try to make them believe what you are saying. You can't look me in the eye and tell me I didn't play a good match out there. Note: You can also say that you look someone straight in the eye or eyes. He looked me straight in the eye and said `Paul, I will never lie to you.' `Now look me straight in the eyes,' Stephen continued. `If I find you are lying, I shall never speak to you again.' Note: If you cannot look someone in the eye, you cannot look at someone directly, usually because you are ashamed or embarrassed. He shuffled around, staring at the ground and couldn't look me in the eye. `What's your name?' she asked him softly. `Damon Cross,' he answered, but he couldn't look her in the eye. Compare with look someone in the face.

look someone in the eye (or face)

look directly at someone without showing embarrassment, fear, or shame.

(be unable to) look somebody in the ˈeye(s)/ˈface

(be unable to) look at somebody directly (because you feel embarrassed, ashamed, etc.): I knew he was lying because he wouldn’t look me in the eye when he spoke.