UNIT 9

FACE

slap in the face

A set phrase used to describe words or actions that have offended or otherwise upset someone.

It was a real slap inthe face when she got promoted over me, especially after the amount of work I did on

that last project.

be just a pretty face

To be physically attractive but lack any distinguishing achievements, intelligence, abilities, or other personalc
haracteristics.

Tiffany might be popular because of her looks now, but once we're out of college she's going to be just
a pretty face.

blow up in (one's) face

To have a plan go wrong or awry.

Mike was trying to sabotage my campaign, but the plan blew up in his face when Ioverhead him talking

about it. Tina's decision to invest only in technology stocks has really blown up in her face.

a kick in the face

1. A thoroughly devastating or disappointing setback or failure.
Losing the championship match was a real kick in theface, but I knew I just had to train even harder
and try again next year.
2. A harsh punishment (or remedy) for acting foolishly or malevolently. Usually used prescriptively (i.e.,
"(someone) needs a kick in the face").
Tim needs a kick in the face for passing up such a fantastic job opportunity. Whoever has
been spreading rumors about Cathy deserves a kick in the face!

brave face, put on a - Also, put up a brave front.

1. Face adversity cheerfully. For example, Even though she had been passed over for promotion, she put on
a braveface.

2. Try to appear brave even though very frightened. For example, Harry was terrified of animals, but his boss
was adog lover, so he put up a brave front . [Second half of 1800s]

face the music

Fig. to receive punishment; to accept the unpleasant results of one's actions.

Mary broke a dining- room window andhad to face the music when her father got home.

After failing a math test, Tom had to go home and face the music.

let's face (the) facts

We have to accept or confront the truth about something or its consequences.
Let's face facts: there's no way for us torecover from this financially.

I know that you miss drinking with your friends, but let's face the facts: once you havekids, you have to start
being a responsible adult.

let's face it
We need to recognize the truth; we should face reality.

Let's face it, Hannah, you never wanted to go on this trip. I'mnot sure he has the right skill set for this positio
n and, let's face it, his interview was pretty poor.

make faces (at someone)

To make distorted, silly, or humorous facial expressions (at someone), usually for one's own or someone

else's amusement, or as a show of disgust.

Jimmy, quit making faces at Sarah this instant and pay attention! Mom, tell Billyto quit making faces, he's rea
lly annoying me!

pull faces (at someone)

To make distorted, silly, or humorous facial expressions (at someone) for one's own or someone else's amus
ement.

I get great laughs out of my nieces and nephews by pulling faces at them.

Mom, tell Billy to quit pulling faces, he's really annoying me!

on the face of the earth

In existence; of all other people, places, or things.

Scientists at the university have created the most powerfulcomputer on the face of the earth. The town was

deemed the happiest place on the face of the earth in a recentworldwide study.

one hand washes the other (and both wash the face)
All parties involved will benefit from helping each other and/or working together toward the same goal.

Look, if you feature our company's logo during your campaign, we get a major boost in advertising visibility,

and you get a bump in your campaign funding one hand washes the other!

The criminal organization has several politicians and most of thepolice force in its pocket, with everyone

seeing a profit from illegal activities. One hand washes the other, and both arewashing the face!

until (one) is blue in the face

For a great or unending length of time; until one has done it to exhaustion.

You can complain about it until you're bluein the face, but you're going to school today whether you like it or
not. They are such strange friends.

They'll argue until they're blue in the face, then they'll go out for dinner and be the best of pals.
wipe someone or something off the face of the earth
Fig. to demolish every trace of someone or something.

A great storm will come and wipe all the people off the face of the earth.

The wind blew my old barn off the face of the earth! Nothing was left.

wipe the smile off (one's) face

To stop smiling or appearing pleased. Often used in an aggressive imperative addressed to one who appear
s to beenjoying the frustration or annoyance they are causing the speaker.

Wipe that smile off your face, you little punk.You're going to pay for that!

He can gloat all he wants, but this subpoena will wipe the smile off his face.

with egg on (one's) face

Extremely embarrassed or humiliated due to some failure or faux pas.

I was left with egg on my face after I fell off thestage in front of all those people.