set your face against something

set (one's) face against (something)

To be strongly opposed to or disapproving of something. My parents set their faces against me marrying her, so we eloped. The CEO has promised to set his face against any pay cuts or job losses following the disastrous third-quarter performance.See also: face, set

set your face against something

mainly BRITISHIf you set your face against something, you oppose it in a very determined way. Tricia wondered if he had ever considered moving, but heard that he had set his face against the idea. Both the government and the major rebel groups appear to have set their faces against a negotiated settlement to the conflict. Note: You often use this expression when you think someone is being unreasonable. Note: This expression is used several times in the Bible. When God `set His face against' someone who had sinned, He showed that He was angry with them. See also: face, set, something

set your face against something

(written, especially British English) be strongly opposed to something and refuse to change your opinion: Her father had set his face against the marriage.See also: face, set, something