glaze over
Definition
Verb (intransitive): 1. To become glassy or take on a glass-like appearance, typically referring to the eyes, indicating a loss of focus or expression. 2. To become dull, unfocused, or vacant, often due to boredom, fatigue, or inattention.
Usage
This phrasal verb is used to describe a specific, observable change in someone's eyes or expression, signaling that they are no longer mentally engaged or focused on the present moment. It is almost exclusively used in the context of a person's gaze or eyes.
Examples
- Her eyes glaze over whenever the conversation turns to accounting.
- I could see his expression glaze over halfway through my detailed explanation.
- After hours of studying, my vision started to glaze over.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe something becoming smooth, shiny, or glass-like in a literal sense, though this is less common.
- The potter applied a final coat, letting it glaze over in the kiln.
Variants and Related Words
- Glazed (adjective): Having a glassy, fixed, or lifeless look.
- He listened with a glazed expression.
Synonyms
- Glass over
- Film over
- Become vacant
- Lose focus
Related Idioms & Phrases
- Eyes glazing over: A common phrase describing the specific phenomenon of losing focus due to disinterest or overload.
- I saw eyes glazing over during the technical presentation, so I switched to simpler examples.
Verb
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become glassy or take on a glass-like appearance
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Her eyes glaze over when she is bored
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become glassy; lose clear vision
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Her eyes glazed over from lack of sleep
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