Can I use 'long face' in a formal report?

No, it is an informal idiom. Use 'downcast expression', 'visible disappointment', or 'gloomy demeanour' instead.

Is 'long face' always negative?

Yes, it always indicates unhappiness, disappointment, or gloom.

What is the most common verb used with 'long face'?

'Pull' (as in 'pull a long face') and 'have' are the most common collocations.

Can you describe an object as having a 'long face'?

No, it is used exclusively for people (or sometimes animals) to describe their sad expression.

How do you pronounce “long face”?

Long face: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒŋ ˈfeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɔːŋ ˈfeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

long face: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˌlɒŋ ˈfeɪs/US/ˌlɔːŋ ˈfeɪs/

Informal

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Quick answer

What does “long face” mean?

A facial expression showing sadness, disappointment, or a gloomy mood.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A facial expression showing sadness, disappointment, or a gloomy mood.

Used idiomatically to describe a person or group that appears unhappy or dejected, often due to a specific reason.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or form. Slightly more common in British English as a standalone idiom.

Connotations

Both varieties: implies a temporary, often self-indulgent or slightly childish sadness.

Frequency

Moderately common in both, slightly higher frequency in UK.

Grammar

How to Use “long face” in a Sentence

SUBJECT + have/pull/wear + a long faceSUBJECT + came in/arrived + with + a long face

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

pull a long facewear a long facehave a long face

medium

stop with the long facecame in with a long face

weak

saw his long faceeveryone's long faces

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used casually, e.g., 'No need for long faces, the project isn't dead, just delayed.'

Academic

Rare, may appear in literary or socio-linguistic analysis of idioms.

Everyday

Common in spoken language to comment on someone's visible unhappiness.

Technical

Not used.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “long face”

Strong

scowl frown

Neutral

downcast expressiongloomy look

Weak

sad lookdisappointed look

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “long face”

beaming smilegrinhappy expression

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “long face”

Using 'long face' to describe a literally long-shaped face.
Saying 'She made a long face' instead of the more natural 'She pulled a long face'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is an informal idiom. Use 'downcast expression', 'visible disappointment', or 'gloomy demeanour' instead.
: Yes, it always indicates unhappiness, disappointment, or gloom.
: 'Pull' (as in 'pull a long face') and 'have' are the most common collocations.
: No, it is used exclusively for people (or sometimes animals) to describe their sad expression.
: A facial expression showing sadness, disappointment, or a gloomy mood.
: Long face: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒŋ ˈfeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɔːŋ ˈfeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Don't pull a long face!”
“He wore a long face all day.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine your face physically stretching down towards the floor because you're so sad – that's a LONG FACE.

Conceptual Metaphor

SADNESS IS DOWN / A DOWNWARD DIRECTION (embodied in facial features).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

When she heard the concert was cancelled, she couldn't help but a long face.

Multiple Choice

What does the idiom 'long face' primarily express?