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make a face

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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 (at somebody/something)

also make faces (at somebody/something)

to change the expression on your face to show dislike or get attention She made a face like she'd eaten a lemon. The child was making faces, and I wanted to laugh.

See also: face, make

make/pull a face

to show that you do not like something or someone by making an unpleasant expression 'I hate pepperoni pizza!' he said, making a face.

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

To distort the features of the face; grimace.

See also: face, make