make a long face — to look sad, disappointed, or dejected; to show an expression of unhappiness or displeasure
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to look sad, disappointed, or dejected; to show an expression of unhappiness or displeasure
Pronunciation (IPA): /meɪk ə lɔːŋ feɪs/
Example Sentences
- When the pizza delivery was delayed, Tommy made such a long face that his mom thought he was seriously ill.
- Don't make a long face just because you have to work overtime.
- She made a long face when her favorite TV show was cancelled.
make a long face
VERB[/meɪk ə lɔːŋ feɪs/]
to look sad, disappointed, or dejected; to show an expression of unhappiness or displeasure
When his mom said no dessert, the boy started to make a long face at the table.
Make a long face in the wrong place
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This idiom derives from the visual observation that sadness and disappointment cause facial muscles to droop downward, making the face appear physically elongated. The expression evolved from this literal physiological phenomenon into a figurative phrase describing a person's dejected appearance.
Breakdown
make (create/produce) + long (extended in length) + face (the front of the head) = to create an elongated facial appearance, literally describing drooping facial muscles and figuratively expressing sadness or disappointment.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When the pizza delivery was delayed, Tommy made such a long face that his mom thought he was seriously ill.”
“Don't make a long face just because you have to work overtime.”
“She made a long face when her favorite TV show was cancelled.”
“The cat made what looked like a long face when its owner forgot to give it treats.”
📚Related Words
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