steal a glance
Sneak a look
To steal a glance is to look at something or someone quickly and furtively, hoping not to be noticed: She stole a glance at her phone during the meeting.
The phrase suggests the look is brief, covert, and often directed at something one shouldn't openly stare at—an attractive stranger, a rival's cards, a clock during a boring lecture.
- sideglanceOblique visual check
- side eyeDisapproving sideways glance
- peekFurtive brief look
- glimpseFleeting view
- catch the eyeAttract someone's gaze
sneak a peek · catch someone's eye · secrecy · subtlety · flirtation · secret admirer · nervousness · dart · spy · guilt · embarrassment · discretion · admiration · longing · furtive · intimacy · hesitation · suspicion