be staring somebody in the face
1. if a solution to a problem is staring you in the face, it is very obvious We spent ages wondering how we could make more space in the shop and the answer was staring us in the face all the time.
2. if an unpleasant experience is staring you in the face, it is very likely to happen to you With only one day's supply of water left, death was staring him in the face.