game face

American  

[geym feys] / ˈgeɪm ˌfeɪs /

noun

1. a neutral or intense facial expression that suggests a focus on winning, as in a competitive sport or card game.

   The game faces at this poker tournament are as unflinching as stone.

---

Etymology

Origin of game face

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Raleigh said after the Arozarena snub that he meant no disrespect to his teammate and that he’s simply trying to put on a game face for an international competition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

From a poker straight to genuine shock, Rachel's game face was on par to get her through some serious heat amongst fellow competitors.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026

As they move, their screens light up with different colors — crossing into “Winter Caverns” changes their game face to blue.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2025

Employees, feeling like expendable pawns in a grand corporate chess game, face an enormous emotional strain having to choose between their job and their home.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 7, 2023

Zach has his game face on from the moment he walks into the auditorium, like he is first man up in the order and about to dig his spikes into the batter’s box.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove