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

That was what we had all been longing to do, and it was with a long face that a staff officer said, "Back to Boshof."

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps he vaguely understood the sorrow and dread of her countenance, for he pulled a long face of his own, and was about to cry.

From Project Gutenberg

I was alone, standing with head uncovered, in the midst of a group of urchins, who were mocking my long face.

From Project Gutenberg

Plantagenet pulled that long face of his, looking as though he meant to impose silence on the whole world for the next six weeks.

From Project Gutenberg

He turned upon me quickly, his long face usually so full of merriment, grey and drawn.

From Project Gutenberg