Sphinx-like

Characterized by an enigmatic, mysterious, and often silent or impassive demeanor; resembling the mythical Sphinx. It suggests a certain aloofness, inscrutability, and a potential for withholding secrets or profound knowledge. The term implies a sense of solemnity, stillness, and an air of intellectual depth that can be both captivating and intimidating. It can also describe something that presents a difficult puzzle or challenge, demanding careful observation and interpretation to understand its meaning or purpose. The sphinx-like quality often involves an aura of watchful waiting or judgment.

Sphinx-like meaning with examples

• The detective, with his sphinx-like gaze, studied the crime scene, offering no immediate comment. He remained perfectly still, absorbing the details with an intensity that hinted at hidden thoughts, making him a challenging subject for questioning. His quiet demeanor and lack of outward emotion left the other investigators uncertain of what he was thinking.
• The old manor house stood on the hill, sphinx-like against the twilight sky. Its darkened windows and imposing silhouette offered no hint of the lives lived within, a complete mystery to passers-by. The house possessed an unsettling aura that made exploring the mansion's interiors feel like unravelling an enigma.
• The Mona Lisa's expression is often described as sphinx-like, a riddle wrapped in a smile. Her enigmatic gaze seems to follow the viewer, hinting at hidden knowledge and challenging us to decipher her thoughts, creating a captivating and enduring mystery.
• Her cryptic email contained a sphinx-like response, offering only vague clues to the solution. The wording created more questions than answers, leaving the recipients perplexed and frustrated. The hidden complexity of the reply added more to the mystery and intrigue and forced the recipient to puzzle out the meaning.
• The politician's carefully crafted speeches often adopted a sphinx-like quality, avoiding direct answers and instead offering ambiguous pronouncements that kept the audience guessing. He often seemed to withhold true opinions, which made it challenging to determine his true intentions and policy positions.