to stare in the face

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Stare \Stare\ (st[^a]r), v. t.
   To look earnestly at; to gaze at.
   [1913 Webster]

         I will stare him out of his wits.        --Shak.
   [1913 Webster]

   {To stare in the face}, to be before the eyes, or to be
      undeniably evident. "The law . . . stares them in the face
      whilst they are breaking it." --Locke.
      [1913 Webster]