And there are two even more substantial reasons to expect a stern challenge this season.

Snow, ice and freakishly sub-zero temperatures across the country created a stern challenge for yards to keep their horses active.

It's a stern challenge and a good gauge for us about where we are.

He was also realistic about the stern challenges ahead.

In the past, presidents have faced stern challenges, if not outright condemnation, for trying to push the envelope of their constitutional powers.

When a smile transforms a stern face, you know who has secret feelings for you.

The moon visits the heart of your chart and when a smile lights a stern face, you're smitten.

I made a stern face and vowed to talk to him.

But this was so rare that it could hardly be called a characteristic of his habitually cold stern face.

Her wisecracks were met with stern faces from the humourless comrades.

The housekeeper sent a stern look our way, which withered all our filthy intentions.

I actively search for social wrongs to be righted by an admonitory word, a stern look, a rebuke, a cutting remark.

Delivered with a stern look and long, meaningful silences, he commanded full attention, not least from a public gallery full for the first time this week.

She gives me a stern look.

I hope the schoolteacher gave him a stern look.

And driving all of it was a critical question of tone - a measured, careful and stern message of respect and realism.

It contains a stern message about the embargo that prevents the media from discussing its 'confidential' contents in advance of publication.

It also sends very stern messages to anyone who would wish to do otherwise.

The details in his work are factually accurate, and he gives his readers clear and stern messages about moral purity and godliness.

His stern warning appears to have gone unheeded.

Thankfully, the officers were friendly and let us off with a stern warning.

If you rev the engine while stationary, it gives you a stern warning.

She was admonished - meaning she was able to go free with a stern warning from a judge.

Anyone thinking that a stern warning like that could spook investors would have been surprised to see housebuilders among the biggest risers.

But stern words from the tophave sparked deep resentment and jealousy on set.

These stern words bring up the question of the law as opposed to justice.

We would certainly be having stern words over her idea of how to wash the dishes.

Some stern words and long hours on the training ground to plug a porous defence followed.

Not with stern words and dire warnings, neither of which will make the slightest bit of difference, but with help and understanding and patience.