be staring something in the face
be staring (something) in the face
To be likely to experience or be affected by something, usually something unpleasant. Janet was staring death in the face for weeks—she really made a miraculous recovery
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
be staring something in the face
COMMON If you are staring a bad situation in the face, the situation is very likely to happen, or will happen soon. At 5-0 down, she was staring defeat in the face. Some of my patients are actually staring death in the face. Note: You can also say that the bad situation is staring you in the face. Failure was staring Marconi in the face.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
be staring something in the face
(of a person) be on the verge of defeat, death, or ruin.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017