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睨みを利かせる (にらみをきかせる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, ichidan verb
exercise authority ; wield influence ; keep in check
Used when someone uses their power, presence, or intimidating gaze to control a situation or person. Often implies a stern, watchful attitude that prevents misbehavior.
あの 教きょう 師し は 教きょう 室しつ で 睨にら み を 利き か せる の が 上手うま い 。
That teacher is good at maintaining authority in the classroom.
2
expression, ichidan verb
glare ; scowl ; glower
Literally to fix someone with a sharp, intimidating stare. Can be used alone or as part of the idiomatic sense 1.
Written forms 睨にら みを 利き かせる
Standard kanji spelling using 利かせる.
睨にら みを 効き かせる
Variant using 効かせる; also common.
睨にら みをきかせる
Mixed kanji-kana spelling.
Kanji 睨 glaring at, authority, power 利 profit, advantage, benefit 効 merit, efficacy, efficiency Similar words 睨にら む 睨む is the base verb meaning 'to glare' or 'to stare sharply'. 睨みを利かせる is a set phrase that extends this to exercising authority or influence through one's presence or gaze.
威い 圧あつ する 威圧する means 'to intimidate' or 'to coerce' more directly, often through overt pressure. 睨みを利かせる implies a more subtle, watchful control.
Etymology Combination of 睨み (the continuative form of 睨む, 'to glare') and 利かせる (causative of 利く, 'to be effective'), literally 'to make one's glare effective'. The phrase figuratively means to exert authority or influence through a stern, watchful presence.
