Historical clue formulations

• Lose in a staring contest — 2018-11-12
• Flip one's lid? — 2012-06-22
• Lose in a confrontation, maybe — 2003-08-01
• Lose a staring contest — 2003-03-05
• Flip one's lid? — 2001-12-07
• Go on and off, as a light — 1999-02-15
• Lose one's nerve — 1999-02-14
• Go on and off, as a traffic light — 1997-11-17