long face

American  

noun

1. an unhappy or gloomy expression.

   He's been walking around with a long face ever since he failed the examination.

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long face British  

noun

1. a disappointed, solemn, or miserable facial expression

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long face Idioms  

1. A facial expression showing sadness or disappointment, as in Greg's long face was a clear indication of his feelings. [Late 1700s]

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Other Word Forms

• long-faced adjective

Etymology

Origin of long face

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

“Hey. Cheer up, Charlie. A long face will scare away the customers. How about you run in and get some tea for us to have out here while we sell? Ask Johnny for the thermal mugs.”

From Literature

Family members often referred to him as “El Viejito,” for his long face and an emotional literacy well beyond his years.

From Los Angeles Times

Amid links to Tottenham and Everton jobs in the past, Potter said he will never be thought of as a "sexy" coach, saying: "It is hard to be a sexy name when you are called Potter, especially if your first name is Graham. Then it becomes even more difficult. Add into that a long face and a ginger beard and all the rest of it and I just have to stick to being a football coach and work with the players."

From BBC

The wolf stared at him, a furious look painted across his long face, making Jack take an involuntary step backward.

From Literature

The scream had come from a tall, thin woman who now stood in the doorway wearing a vibrant blue dress, full, platinum-colored hair framing her long face.

From Literature