pull a face

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Verb (Phrasal Verb):
    • To deliberately distort or contort one's facial expression, typically to convey a specific emotion, reaction, or state of mind, such as disgust, displeasure, pain, or mockery. It is an intentional, often exaggerated, non-verbal communication.
Usage
  • Primary Use: This phrasal verb is used to describe the action of making a face. It is often followed by the preposition "at" to indicate the target of the expression.
  • Formality: It is common in informal and conversational English.
  • Grammar: It functions as a transitive verb phrase (e.g., "pull a face") but is often used intransitively (e.g., "He pulled a face").
Examples
  • Basic Usage:
    • The child pulled a face when he tasted the bitter medicine.
    • She pulled a face at her brother behind the teacher's back.
  • With Different Emotions:
    • He pulled a funny face to make the baby laugh. (indicating humor/silliness)
    • I pulled a face of utter disbelief when I heard the news. (indicating shock)
Advanced Usage
  • "pull a long face": To look sad or disappointed.
    • Don't pull a long face; we can try again tomorrow.
  • Used in Narrative: Common in written descriptions of characters' reactions.
    • Reading the harsh critique, the author pulled a pained face.
Variants and Related Words
  • Make a face: A very common synonym with identical meaning and usage.
    • He made a face at the suggestion.
  • Grimace (verb/noun): A more formal single-word synonym, often implying a reaction to pain or disgust.
  • Pout (verb): To push out the lips, especially to show annoyance or sulkiness (a specific type of face-pulling).
Synonyms
  • Make a face
  • Grimace
  • Scowl (specifically an angry face)
  • Frown (specifically a displeased or thoughtful face)
Related Phrasal Verbs / Idioms
  • Pull faces: The plural form, used for repeated or habitual action.
    • The comedian was famous for pulling faces at the camera.
  • Face-pulling (noun): The act of making faces.
    • His constant face-pulling was distracting.
Related Idioms
  • Make/pull a wry face: To make a face expressing distaste or irony.
    • She made a wry face after drinking the strong coffee.
  • As if/though to pull a face: Used to describe a preparatory facial movement.
    • He hesitated, his lips twitching as if to pull a face.
Verb
  1. contort the face to indicate a certain mental or emotional state
    • He grimaced when he saw the amount of homework he had to do

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