steely-eyed

From steely +‎ eyed.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈstiːliˌaɪd/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈstiliˌaɪd/

• Audio (AU)

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steely-eyed (comparative more steely-eyed, superlative most steely-eyed)

1. (idiomatic) Having a hard, strong, and determined look about oneself.

   Synonym: flint-eyed

2. (idiomatic) Having a hard, strong, and determined mentality or mindset.

   Synonyms: diehard, hardcore, steely-nerved, steely-spined, tough as nails

   • 2019 April 14, Alex McLevy, “Winter is Here on Game of Thrones’ Final Season Premiere (Newbies)”, in The A.V. Club‎, archived from the original on 18 December 2020:

     Her steely-eyed control of emotion has become such a reliable source of strength and enjoyment in the last two seasons, it's genuinely moving to see her defenses fall in the face of long-lost friends and family.

• steely-eyed missile man