rivet (redirected from riveting)

rivet someone's attention

Fig. to keep someone's attention fixed [on something]. The movie riveted the audience's attention. Professor Jones's lecture riveted the students' attention.

See also: attention

rivet something on(to) something and rivet something on

to attach something to something with rivets. The pockets of these jeans are riveted onto the body of the pants. You should rivet on this part of the frame to the wall.

rivet one's gaze on someone or something and rivet one's glare on someone or something

Fig. to fasten one's gaze onto someone or something. (As if it were attached by rivets.) He riveted his gaze on the surly young man. Walter riveted his hateful glare on the last page of the contract and sneered.

See also: gaze

riveted to the ground

Fig. [of someone or someone's feet] unable to move. I was riveted to the ground out of fear. My feet were riveted to the ground and I could not move an inch.

See also: ground