make a face (at someone)

make a face (at someone)

To make a distorted, silly, or humorous facial expression (at someone), usually for one's own or someone else's amusement, or as a show of disgust. Young lady, don't you make a face at me! You will eat your broccoli or you won't have any dessert. The teacher scolded Jimmy for making faces at her from the back of class. When I told him my mother was coming over for dinner, John just made a face and went down to the basement.See also: face, make

make a face

 (at someone) and make faces (at someone) 1. to show a funny or distorted expression to someone in ridicule. Mother, Billy made a face at me! The teacher sent Jane to the principal for making a face in class. 2. to attempt to communicate to someone through facial gestures, usually an attempt to say "no" or "stop." I started to tell John where I was last night, but Bill made a face so I didn't. John made a face at me as I was testifying, so I avoided telling everything.See also: face, make

make a face

Grimace, distort the facial features, as in The teacher told Joan to stop making faces at Mary. This expression was first recorded in 1570. See also: face, make

make a face

or

pull a face

BRITISHCOMMON If you make a face or pull a face, you show a feeling such as dislike by twisting your face into an ugly expression. She made a face at the smell, and hurried to open the windows. He was taught from an early age to address people as `Mister' and not to poke his tongue out or pull faces. Note: If someone makes or pulls a particular kind of face, they show that feeling in their expression. `Here I am,' Chee said. `What can I do?' Janet made a wry face. He pulled funny faces at her and cracked a few jokes.See also: face, make

make (or pull) a face (or faces)

produce an expression on your face that shows dislike, disgust, or some other negative emotion, or that is intended to be amusing.See also: face, make

pull/make ˈfaces/a ˈface (at somebody/something)

produce an expression on your face to show that you do not like somebody/something or in order to make somebody laugh: What are you pulling a face at now? ♢ The little girl stood outside the window of the cafe making faces at everybody. ▶ ˈface-pulling noun: He amazed the audience with his silent mime and face-pulling performance.See also: face, make, pull

make a face

To distort the features of the face; grimace.See also: face, make