a long face, to wear/draw/pull
long face
A facial expression denoting sadness, dissappointment, or dissatisfaction. Jill had such a long face yesterday after she learned that she failed her exam. Hey, kiddo, why the long face? Is something bothering you?
See also: face, long
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
long face
A facial expression showing sadness or disappointment, as in Greg's long face was a clear indication of his feelings. [Late 1700s]
See also: face, long
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
a long face, to wear/draw/pull
To look sad or dissatisfied. A common expression in the nineteenth century, it no doubt came from the elongated look resulting from the mouth being drawn down at the corners and the eyes downcast.
See also: draw, long, pull, wear
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- a long face
- a turn of phrase
- appear to
- (one) can whistle for it
- a change of heart
- a mystery to (one)
- able to do
- able to do it
- a shoulder to cry on
- a piece of the action