make a face

IPA/mˌeɪk ɐ fˈeɪs/
IPA/mˌeɪk ɐ fˈeɪs/

make a face — idiom

1. to twist your mouth and eyes into a strange shape, usually because you dislike s

1.idiomB1
Definition

to twist your mouth and eyes into a strange shape, usually because you dislike something or because you want to make other people laugh

Example

Chidi made a face when the waiter set a plate of raw fish before him.

make a face when [reason] — showing dislike

The little boy made a face at his sister across the dinner table.

make a face at someone — directed at a person

Common collocations
  • make a face at
  • make a face when
  • make faces
Synonyms
  • grimace

    more formal; a single twisted expression, often from pain or disgust

  • pull a face

    British equivalent of 'make a face', same meaning

Grammar Patterns

make a face at someone

make a face when/because

Usage Note

Often followed by 'at someone' when the expression is aimed at a person. The plural 'make faces' is common when the action is repeated or playful.

Common Mistakes

She made a sad face about the news.
She looked sad about the news.
'make a face' means a deliberate strange expression, not simply looking emotional.

Etymology

English

The expression joins the everyday verb 'make' with 'a face', here meaning a particular facial expression rather than the face itself. This use of 'face' to mean 'an expression put on deliberately' has been part of English since the 1500s, and the phrase has long described both childish teasing and a show of dislike.