With or having a fierce intensity in one's expression. The teacher fixed a steely-eyed gaze upon me when I started joking around during class.I could feel my ex-girlfriend staring at me, steely-eyed, from across the bar.
steely-nerved
Calm and unflappable under pressure. I asked my brother to come to court with me because he is always steely-nerved in stressful situations.Gina needs to be steely-nerved to deal with all that rejection that comes with being an actress.
steely gaze
Cliché an intense, staring gaze. The principal turned a steely gaze toward the frightened student and suddenly smiled.