long face

noun

1. an unhappy or gloomy expression:

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

long face

noun

1. a disappointed, solemn, or miserable facial expression

Derived Forms

• ˌlong-ˈfaced, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of long face¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Idioms and Phrases

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

Example Sentences

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

The Duchess pulled a long face.

From Literature

In January 1998, an aspiring Japanese comedian named Tomoaki Hamatsu but better known as Nasubi — or “eggplant,” because of his long face — was chosen to star in “Susunu! Denpa Shōnen,” a hit variety show.

From Los Angeles Times

In 1998, an aspiring comedian named Tomoaki Hamatsu — nicknamed Nasubi, the Japanese word for eggplant, because of his long face — won the opportunity to compete on an extreme kind of game show.

From New York Times