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单词 face
释义

Definition of face in English:

face

noun feɪsfeɪs

  • 1The front part of a person's head from the forehead to the chin, or the corresponding part in an animal.

    she was scarlet in the face and perspiring profusely
    Example sentencesExamples
    • Standing in his way was a tall man with long dark hair, his face hidden in the shadows of the hood of his black robes.
    • Their weathered faces, full of character, look down upon Lee as he fixes a bridle.
    • A large body of research has found that we perceive faces that are closer to the average as more beautiful than distinctive faces.
    • They were walking determinedly, but in the darkness, she could not distinguish their faces.
    • The old man's wrinkled face creased into a warm smile.
    • I brushed her long dark hair from her face and caressed her cheek in an effort to calm her.
    • In his dream he looked upon the moon and saw the face of the goddess looking down upon her people.
    • The woman's fair face was ashen; beads of sweat formed at her temples.
    • Paint peeled off the walls of nearby buildings and the faces of wax dummies in the dress shop across the road melted in the intense heat
    • We both stood there for a while, our faces illuminated by the moon's pale light, silent.
    • The face is characteristically square or broad with a short neck, often giving a squat appearance.
    • I watched their faces and wished, desperately and irrationally, that these boys would understand.
    • A man and a woman laugh, watching each other's faces over a candlelit dinner.
    • She had curly cherry red hair that framed her porcelain doll face.
    • My voice broke and the tears fell down my face as I wrapped my arms around his solid torso.
    • Probably weighing around 20 stone, a bald man with a moon face stood there, looking sad and bemused.
    • She felt immediate relief as she found herself looking at a familiar long, freckled face with sandy bangs.
    • Emily buried her face into her pillow and started to drift off to sleep.
    • His eyes were a solid dark blue, and his face showed the beginning signs of middle age.
    • It would be interesting to know is whether people with symmetrical faces have longer life expectancies.
    Synonyms
    countenance, physiognomy, profile, features
    informal mug, kisser, clock
    British informal mush, dial, phizog, phiz
    British rhyming slang boat race
    Scottish &amp Irish informal coupon
    Northern Irish informal bake
    North American informal puss, pan
    literary visage, lineaments
    archaic front
    1. 1.1 An expression shown on the face.
      the happy faces of these children
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The big group fell silent and watched with eerily solemn faces as the two girls approached.
      • I joked, watching as their faces twist with frustration, annoyed that I was avoiding the subject.
      • Blaze is leaning back in her chair without blinking, with tears running down her blank, expressionless face.
      • The last thing I saw through the closing crack was dozens of pale, terrified faces watching us in confusion.
      • He has a face so unusually characterful that it almost defies caricature.
      • James, one of the now gloomy faces at the dining room table, had brought me a sketch of St. Vincent de Paul.
      • She had a pouty face, the kind you knew was going to be a very attractive face when she got older.
      • Does he regularly practice his poker face in front of the mirror?
      • The woman's face darkened and she stopped.
      • She looked at everyone and saw concerned faces watching her intently.
      • We dug in a pile of loose rubble adjacent to the pit, finding a few crystals of smoky quartz, as Agenor and Lauro looked on with unhappy faces.
      • He read the letter, then with a face of anger, crumpled it up and threw it on the ground.
      • And if you're thinking the way the character thinks, your face and body will change.
      • I watched some pretty serious faces as shooters battled it out for 15th or 20th place in a category.
      • On Sunday, I visited the Art Gallery of Ontario and met a familiar but nervous face.
      • I looked around the room, watching the girls' faces change from looks of accusation to pity and understanding.
      • She quickly regained her posture and followed him down the hall getting confused faces along the way as if asking her, what did you do?
      • Turning her straight face into a frown, she turned herself away from him.
      • Her smile faded slowly as she saw her father's face turn serious.
      • Then, in a second, the old woman's face had softened back into its regular form.
      Synonyms
      expression, facial expression, look, appearance, air, manner, bearing, countenance, guise, cast, aspect, impression
      formal mien
    2. 1.2 An aspect of something.
      the unacceptable face of social drinking
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Critical thinking requires you to put a face to the problem and to identify all the faces of the problem involved.
      • These mountain are most assuredly another of the distinctive four faces of Algeria.
      • Although alcoholism remains the number one dependency problem among judges and lawyers, the face of addiction continues to change.
      • Here was a problem that amounted to rather more than an unsightly flaw on the face of the splendid facade of classical physics.
      Synonyms
      (outward) appearance, aspect, air, nature, image

  • 2The surface of a thing, especially one that is presented to the view or has a particular function.

    Synonyms
    covering, layer, surface, veneer, lamination, encrustation, carpet, blanket, sheet, curtain, canopy, cover, cloak, veil, pall, shroud, screen, mask, cloud, envelope
    1. 2.1Geometry Each of the surfaces of a solid.
      the faces of a cube
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Faces in graph theory are a lot like the six faces of a cube.
      • A triangular pyramid, or tetrahedron, has a triangular base and four faces, counting the bottom.
      • To solve the problem, Vinson opted to use polyhedra that have more vertices than faces.
      • The faces of the polyhedron appear to consist of two equilateral triangles and six somewhat irregular pentagons.
      • This time, it had the shape of a trapezoid on four faces, making it look like a thimble with four right angles.
      Synonyms
      side, aspect, flank, vertical, surface, plane, facet, wall, elevation
      front, frontage, facade
      slope
    2. 2.2 A vertical or sloping side of a mountain or cliff.
      the north face of the Eiger
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The researchers counted snail shells in soil samples from nooks of climbed and unclimbed faces of the limestone cliffs.
      • Springs can occur in uplands if zones of perched water extend laterally to cliff faces or other steep slopes.
      • Here the road has been hewn out of solid rock, so the cliff face overhangs the narrow roadway.
      • Ocean waves pummel the rocky cliff faces, eventually turning some of the rocks into sand.
      • Matt grabs the rock face with his bare hands and starts climbing grimly.
      • Diving through one of the many submarine tunnels and along the cliff faces is truly exhilarating.
      • These have produced scarps with vertical cliff faces up to 800 meters high.
      • This is why we have to be very careful close to either the flat ground or a cliff or mountain face.
      • It didn't take him much longer to reach a point where he could climb down the cliff face.
      • The mountains are massive red sandstone lumps, their vertical faces rising to table-tops or dropping sheer into canyons.
      • The steep north faces of the escarpments escaped cultivation and the worst effects of logging.
      • A thin trickle of water drips down the dank side of a cliff face to splash into the stream below.
      • This source of ore is quite iron poor, unlike the ores that were later to be quarried out from cliff faces.
      • But he felt a renewed sense of betrayal when Bonington climbed the north face of the Eiger without him.
      • Such people were the first to leave the cave and see what was on the other side of the cliff face.
      • They shot rope ladders over the face of these cliffs and began to pull themselves up.
      • Twenty years ago its soaring cliff faces and base was free of human habitation, and the tower stood tall.
      • The lift is strong and we are either climbing up the south faces of the ridges, or flying down the tops of the mountains moving much faster than yesterday.
      • For example, plains give way to rising mountain passes with steep cliff faces, and islands peek mysteriously out of lakes and seas.
      • Contrary to popular belief, the bird's nests are not found in the faces of cliffs but in caves.
    3. 2.3 The side of a planet or moon facing the observer.
      we can often see the dark face of the moon by earthshine
      Example sentencesExamples
      • As one resident put it to this writer last week, the surface of the stretch of road in question is like the face of the moon.
      • Then the heavens ripped asunder and showered evil and ill omens upon the face of this beckoning planet.
      • Beyond, the grey light was coming and going as clouds chased each other across the face of the moon.
      • The face of the planet swung beneath them, and then they were coming down again, down and down.
    4. 2.4 The front of a building.
      a series of loggias make up the face of the church
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The glazed faces of the building terminate campus circulation routes.
      • The four distinct faces of the building force a process of scanning and mental reassembly at the scale of the whole wall.
      • On the faces of the building, it is difficult to tell where the floors are.
      • The red line down the face of the building marks the precise longitude at which time begins.
      • The windows on these faces look into narrow protected alleys or the small courtyard between the houses.
      • The three outer faces are very similar with a tall arch over the steps.
      • The cobblestones press back against my feet, the lit faces of the buildings rise around me into a clear, black sky.
      • The general orientation of the buildings is east-west, with most window openings in the north and south faces.
      • Fireworks screamed up into the sky, exploding all around us and strobing the face of every building.
      • In this building, there was but one vertical movement joint on the south face.
      • The top floor will be set back from the main face of the building.
      • In older units, the dividing line was very often the exterior face of a wall.
    5. 2.5 The plate of a clock or watch bearing the digits or hands.
      a dial like the face of a clock
      Example sentencesExamples
      • We built a clock tower in Bowen with four clock faces in the center of the town as a memorial of the Bowen Variety Show.
      • The turret wall, a fort-like structure enclosing a 25-foot tower leads up to an analog clock with two faces.
      • When Mrs C draws a clock face, or copies a picture of a flower, she omits much or all of the left side.
      • I couldn't see the clock in the bathroom because of the condensation on the clock face.
      • Maybe an African watch should do away with confusing numerals and simply have just a sun and a moon on its face.
      • Moiré and mother of pearl pastel watch faces in colours like pink and aqua and agate will also capture an iridescent feel.
      • They are also very well known for their simple, clean watch faces and designs.
      • Here, traditional analogue clocks with crisp modern faces sit within achingly fashionable hoods.
      • And I love how one of the clock faces of the Fendi Secret Dual Time watch is always very subtly covered.
      • Watch faces, found at flea markets and removed from their bands, are arranged precisely on a tray.
      • A typical map divides the eye into sections, using the image of a clock face as a base.
      • On top of each table were a wooden chess set, and a little clock with two faces next to each one.
      Synonyms
      dial, display
    6. 2.6 The distinctive side of a playing card.
      she scattered a deck of cards face down
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Jess fished a pack of Happy Families playing cards out of her pocket, and began making up stories with the jolly smiling faces on the cards.
      • But still, is there no means of seeing the faces of the cards?
      • On the face of each card is a number - there are two cards of each number from 1 to 12.
      • Once you pick up your cards, you must not look at the backs of any of your other cards - you must only see their faces.
      • Others drank from flasks and clay bottles, or huddled together to read futures from the faces of playing cards.
      • The chocolate is accessed by a perforated tear strip on the back face of the card.
      • The faces of the cards in a pack may all be unique, or may include duplicates, depending on the game.
      • It wasn't surprising that Mei had all of his shrubs shaped like the faces of the cards.
      • It is announced verbally, or by reversing the card in your hand so that the face is visible to the opponents.
    7. 2.7 The obverse of a coin.
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Dancing and choreography for me are two faces of the same coin.
      • He drew a quick rendition of the two faces of the coin the Lujar had shown him.
      • But high returns and high risk are two faces of the same coin.
      • Shatner beamed with joy when told he had been selected to be on the face of the coin.
      • The poet's eye can see the two faces of the coin simultaneously.

  • 3with adjective A person of a particular type.

    this season's squad has a lot of old faces in it
    Example sentencesExamples
    • Among the familiar and very funny faces on stage this year are the popular trio of Mick O'Keeffe, Timmy Durney and Mick Malone.
    • But so far the only new faces appearing at the church have been those of visitors pledging their support.
    • The cast will include some familiar old faces and a few great newcomers, for which, by the way, the group are always on the lookout.
    • His preference is clearly to surround himself with familiar old faces, with the emphasis firmly on experience.
    • A lot of the familiar faces have disappeared, but I can still picture them when I look around the room.
    • Sunday saw fewer people in the hall, as some had come for only one day; however, there were also some new faces.
    • Most are natives of the parish who have returned to spend time with family and friends, good to see the old familiar faces once again.
    • We also had a lot of new faces getting familiar with each other.
    • There were a lot of familiar faces at the pub, which was surprising considering how long it is since I was last there.
    • She had been a familiar and welcoming face at chaplaincy events and society meetings during the two terms she spent here.
    • I gently brush a strand of limp hair from her now unfamiliar face, grown old and distant.
    • There are many familiar faces among this year's performers.
    • It'll be great to see old friends and new faces, familiar and exciting places.
    • Most of the cast is comprised of fresh faces, all of whom do solid jobs.
    • It was good to see the old familiar faces and catch up on the news.
    • Get yourself in trouble and you'll find there's a distinct lack of friendly faces eager to help.
    • Today he is one of the most famous faces on the planet, adored by the English and feared by our opponents.
    • What price can you put on kindness, integrity, a sense of humour and the same familiar face coming through the door?

  • 4

    short for typeface
    Example sentencesExamples
    • The most conventional scheme for using typefaces is to use a serif face such as Times New Roman or Georgia for body text and a sans serif face such as Verdana or Arial as a contrast for headlines.
    • Not only are the messages different on each side, but the advertising line is also printed in two type sizes and faces.
    • You may use either a variation of the serif font or a contrasting sans serif face for the display type.
verb feɪsfeɪs
[with object]

  • 1Be positioned with the face or front towards (someone or something)

    he turned to face her
    Example sentencesExamples
    • Frankie sat facing the door that opened onto the back porch.
    • On the bungalow the porch faces the ocean.
    • But if the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, there should be no lunar tides.
    Synonyms
    look out on, front on to, look towards, be facing, have/afford/command a view of, look over/across, open out over, look on to, overlook, give on to, give over, be opposite (to)
    1. 1.1no object, with adverbial of direction Have the face or front pointing in a specified direction.
      the house faces due east
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The building faces out over a great bend in the River Tay, which, with a good number of large windows, gives the residence a light and airy feel.
      • They turned me to face downwards and I had my head in a vice, but the surgeon was ever so nice and set me at ease straight away.
      • The kitchen faces out onto the dining room and into the living room, which is about 30 by 20 feet.
      • Although most rock shelters open on three sides, the Eagle Rock site faces north and is open on only one side.
      • A breakfast room, which has recently been added onto the kitchen, faces onto the courtyard through a French door.
      • Make sure your 27 cards are faced down in one pile.
      • This building faces onto Blaxland road and Lane Cove road.
      • For the best view people are advised to choose a dark location, away from city lights, and face away from the Moon.
    2. 1.2no object, with adverbial of direction (of a soldier) turn in a particular direction.
      the men had faced about to the front
      Example sentencesExamples
      • At the execution command "Face", the soldier swivels on his right heel and left toes, through a 90-degree (right) angle to his right.
      • For the movement Right Face, the preparatory command is "Right....", followed by the execution command "Face."
      • When Sarge barks, "About face!" he applies the same command to everyone in the platoon, and each soldier executes the command at the same time.

  • 2Confront and deal with or accept.

    honesty forced her to face facts
    no object he was too old to face up to the responsibilities of his position
    Example sentencesExamples
    • It wasn't something I wanted to do but we weren't right for each other and one of us had to face up to it.
    • He should be forced to face up to his platitudes and obfuscations over the past four years.
    • Thus, the majority of graduates face up to the real world already heavily indebted.
    • There is this long term demographic problem that any Government is going to have to face up to.
    • One of the biggest challenges is to face up to the problem and do something about it.
    • So, we've had to face up to some very tough decisions which have had to be made.
    • This is quite simply something we are going to have to face up to doing as we are amongst the lowest in the league.
    • If we're not prepared to face up soberly to the truth, how the can we expect them to do so?
    • The main focus at present in the back to school theme that all school goers must face up to.
    • If I have to face up to the fact my feet cannot take it, at least I've given it my best shot.
    • We must not be afraid to face up to and express the cause and nature of those fears.
    • It has been an ordeal, but sometimes, we just have to face up to things, ya know?
    • Of course not - the answers would be too difficult for a lot of people to face up to.
    • We would also like to see the real culprits forced to face up to their irresponsibility.
    • I am delighted that Scotland on Sunday is forcing society to face up to the crisis in our schools.
    • But he has got to face up to the need to do it, the need to carry it through, and the need to be seen and heard to do it.
    • Yet even now there is a wilful refusal on the part of the coalition's critics to face up to reality.
    • Board directors are supposed to face up to their difficulties rather than walk away.
    Synonyms
    accept, come to accept, become reconciled to, reconcile oneself to, reach an acceptance (of), get used to, become accustomed to, adjust to, accommodate oneself to, acclimatize oneself to
    learn to live with, cope with, deal with, come to terms with, get to grips with, become resigned to, make the best of
    confront, meet head-on
    brave, face up to, encounter, meet, meet head-on, confront, dare, defy, oppose, resist, withstand
    1. 2.1 Have (a difficult situation) in prospect.
      each defendant faced a maximum sentence of 10 years
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The threats that our nation faces today are as distinct and remote from that antiquated advice as one can imagine.
      • If he breaks the order, he could face up to five years in prison, a fine or both.
      • Judge Scott also warned that she could face up to four months in prison if she failed to complete the order.
      • They will be sentenced next month and could face up to two years imprisonment for each vehicle.
      • In around 50 million years, Phobos faces one of two fates.
      • Breaking the conditions of the order could mean Jason could face up to five years in jail.
      • Each character faces calamity and lives in a time of upheaval, and each is influenced by those events.
      • Rail police warned that people caught trespassing on railways could face up to life in jail.
      • A Letterston man faces eviction from the council house in which he has lived for 45 years.
      • If caught, pirate broadcasters face up to two years in jail and unlimited fines.
      • Crowe could face up to seven years in prison if found guilty of all charges against him.
      Synonyms
      be confronted by, be faced with, encounter, experience, come into contact with, run into, come across, meet, come up against, be forced to contend with
    2. 2.2 (of a problem or difficult situation) present itself to and require action from (someone)
      the difficulties facing British farming
      Example sentencesExamples
      • I suppose every generation is faced with a choice.
      • When it comes to implementing and regulating the Protocol, however, developing nations are faced with all kinds of handicaps - for a variety of reasons.
      • When writers and producers are faced with handling a real life death, their often mirror reality by writing the death into the fictional plot line.
      • Hence, humanity is faced with a different warfare that of spiritual and moral warfare.
      • In the past, novice readers who hoped to understand a classic text were faced with having to negotiate layers of annotation.
      • It would not be realistic for local authorities to expect Government through annual grants, to meet all the obligations they are faced with.
      • Even if they win an international award, they are faced with strict investigation and the possibility of punishment from the government.
      • When test subjects were faced with this noxious combination, the digestive system refused to break down the food and flushed it out as quickly as possible.
      • They are faced with a myriad flood of information that they have to process and integrate into their world view very rapidly and quite literally on the fly.
      • Thus, council is faced with the task of ‘balancing the needs of those living here today and in the future,’ said Currie.
      • Students enrolling for such programmes are faced with paying the entire cost themselves or applying for the sponsorship of a private company.
      • Unfortunately, existing shareholders are faced with a ‘take it or leave it’ option, but that's another issue.
      • He said the group is faced with three main issues.
      • That's the bottom line city councillors were faced with this week as they continued along the 2004 budget path.
      • I suppose that the lesson here may be that the next time that camp is faced with replacing existing systems, why not consider newer technology?
      • The States have sought the approval even as the Centre's buy-back programme is faced with resistance from the public sector banks.
      • The last few divers onto this wreck were faced with a spoked wheel of distance lines radiating out in all directions.
      • Solicitors are faced with clients who have been refused cover for future treatment unless the undertaking is signed.
      • As you know, it is not a problem simply for poor children in this country, wealthier communities are faced with many of the same issues.
      • Starting with the ribs, diners are faced with a choice of 13 different types that vary by cut and flavor.
      Synonyms
      beset, worry, distress, cause trouble to, trouble, bother, confront, burden
      harass, oppress, vex, irritate, exasperate, strain, stress, tax
      torment, plague, blight, bedevil, rack, smite, curse, harrow
      rare discommode
    3. 2.3face someone/something down Overcome someone or something by a show of determination.
      he climbed atop a tank to face down a coup
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Others criticise the police for wanting to ‘contain’ sectarian fans rather than face them down and arrest them wholesale.
      • There are moments when I feel tired by this, and drained, but then I get up the following morning and decide I'm going to face these people down.
      • Zacchaeus had the guts to face them down: ‘he stood his ground’ - but not on his dignity.
      • Face it, and face it down, or expect more where that came from.
      • At some point the government is going to have to revisit that agreement and face the unions down.
      • There will be a long-term impact, but our kids face it down with courage and honour-the very facets that are missing in some of our members of government.
      • And Jack was tickled that my mother was one of the first people to really face him down.
      Synonyms
      stand up to, outface, cow, overawe, intimidate, browbeat, confront, beard, outstare, stare out/down, defy

  • 3Cover the surface of (something) with a layer of a different material.

    the external basement walls were faced with granite slabs
    Example sentencesExamples
    • The pedestal or ground floor of the main building is faced with granite from Little Cottonwood Canyon.
    • Dining room and kitchen cabinets and drawers are faced with predominantly gray and blue laminate.
    • If you turn off Tottenham Court Road onto Chenies Street you will see in front of you a building faced with a stone which reflects like a mirror on a sunny day.
    Synonyms
    cover, clad, veneer, skin, overlay, surface, dress, pave, put a facing on, laminate, inlay, plate, coat, line

Phrases

  • face down (or downwards)

    • With the face or surface turned towards the ground.

      he lay face down on his bed
      Example sentencesExamples
      • He suffered a head injury and was found face down in the shallow water by a passer-by on Sunday morning.
      • Landulf wept and lay face down on the ground until the emperor sent his proceres over to raise him up and bring him.
      • One look to the buggy said he wasn't there and one to the floor showed him lying face down having fallen out.
      • Lie face down on the ground, with your hands under your chin and your elbows tucked in close to your body.
      • He grinned, and lay face down on the ground, taking up nearly all the space in the room.
      • These had been knocked down by the force of the wind and now lay face down on the tarmac.
      • Paul is lying face down on a treatment couch in a room at the Healing Clinic in York's Fulford Cross.
      • I had tripped up and was tumbling over it face down, prone and helpless, the way you do in a bad dream.
      • Stick them on to individual pieces of card and lay them face down on the table.
      • The athlete then uses their arms to pull them, feet first, upwards, simultaneously turning about the pole so that they can cross the bar face downwards before dropping on to the mat.
      Synonyms
      face down, lying face down, face downwards, on one's stomach, on one's front

  • someone's face fits

    • Someone has the necessary qualities for something.

      if your face didn't fit they could get rid of you within twelve months
      Example sentencesExamples
      • But he would be well advised not to treat the game too lightly when faced with the task of ensuring his face fits at the Edinburgh club.
      • If your face fits, you'll get the job.

  • face the music

    • Be confronted with the unpleasant consequences of one's actions.

      we would later have to face the music over our bold moves
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The defendant acknowledged what he did was wrong, had not sought to distance himself and was facing the music.
      • This is my fear - being confronted with my irresponsibility, facing the music of my selfishness, learning that I've been caught doing my most embarrassing action.
      • The main perpetrator has not been found and Shane is here facing the music.
      • There's an anonymous quote which goes: ‘A real leader faces the music, even when he doesn't like the tune.’
      • ‘I was scared witless, so I just sank a double brandy, said to myself it's now or never ’, and faced the music.
      • But unless you are in the top 50 then you have to face the music, and the music is that you're not in the tournament.
      • But a guitar-strumming member of the faithful political band has faced the music on a minor drugs charge.
      • The bottom line is that athletes need to clean up, start facing the music and actually start acting like role models.
      • Instead of facing the music, the multibillionaire decamped for Switzerland, beyond the reach of U.S. law.
      • Both those at the helm of affairs and those guilty of the crime would like to close the chapter either because it is too embarrassing an issue for them or because they may have to face the music if law takes its own course.

  • the face of the earth

    • Used for emphasis, to refer to the existence or disappearance of someone or something.

      he's just disappeared off the face of the earth
      the most gruelling training on the face of the earth
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Within 30 hours of the move she had gone - disappeared off the face of the earth.
      • Why have they seemingly vanished from the face of the planet in terms of their public profile?
      • Being a helpdesk operator has to be one of the most thankless tasks on the face of the planet.
      • I can't remember whether she said this was going to happen or has she just disappeared off the face of the earth?
      • This stretch of highway is quite possibly the most boring road on the face of the planet.
      • ‘This is not an argument for wiping badgers off the face of the earth,’ he writes.
      • Today, and for all my tomorrows, I consider myself the luckiest person on the face of the earth.
      • Why are you the only human being on the face of the planet who could possibly write this book?
      • She felt like screaming and crying and just disappearing off of the face of the earth all at the same time.
      • Common sense seems to be disappearing off the face of the earth.

  • face up (or upwards)

    • With the face or surface turned upwards to view.

      place the panel face up before cutting
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Let's start with cards on the table face upwards.
      • When doing this exercise, lie face up with your legs bent and feet flat on the floor.
      • We'd deal a hand each, put the rest of the deck between us, turn the top card on the deck face up, and begin.
      • Placing an object face upwards so as to be visible to a friend a hundred miles away would be to put it in the public sphere.
      • Announce the number of cards you wish to exchange aloud, when you lay them face down on the table.

  • get out of someone's face

    • informal usually as imperativeStop harassing or annoying someone.

      shut up and get out of my face
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Looking up at her in the same glare I had used before, I replied, ‘Either ask me to move nicely, or get out of my face.’
      • Now get out of my face before I really lose my temper.
      • He said that they wouldn't get out of his face and were calling him all sorts of ugly names.
      • I'm sorry, but you wouldn't get out of my face so I had to say something to make you stop.
      • She'd have called me a liar and told me to get out of her face.
      • ‘Ugh, get out of my face, James,’ I say rudely before pushing him away.
      • I'm tired, I'm hungry, I have no money, I'm going to lose my job and I'm going to fail my junior year of high school if you don't get out of my face.
      • It's none of your business, Kass, get out of my face!
      • I don't care where you go, just get out of my face.
      • I don't like to be looked at so get out of my face!

  • have the face to do something

    • dated Have the effrontery to do something.

      Example sentencesExamples
      • I wonder he had the face to talk so: but he lent me money, and that's enough.
      • And now, instantly after that amazing and mad generosity, she had the face to look cross because he would not buy Wilbraham Hall!
      Synonyms
      effrontery, audacity, nerve, gall, brazenness, brashness, shamelessness

  • in one's face

    • Directly at or against one; as one approaches.

      she slammed the door in my face
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Time does not make the frustrations of having so many doors slammed in your face less painful.
      • So we have no public policy and that has a very - a very bad effect on our scientists because they don't know what to do because the door might be slammed in their face.
      • One chap slammed the door in his face but not before he told him he already had enough double-glazing.
      • I'm not the sort of person who can brusquely say ‘not today thank you’ and slam the door firmly in their face.
      • And then she shut the door in our faces, left us there on the front porch and went to make the cup of tea.
      • If so, I think he might get upset and potentially bitter when the door gets slammed in his face.
      • Whenever he goes to play in public, he seems to get doors slammed in his face.
      • I introduced myself, waiting for the door to be slammed in my face and, surprise, she let me in and started to talk.
      • One pensioner refused to allow the caller into her house, and slammed the door in his face.
      • I have visited hundreds of people and had the door slammed in my face.

  • in face (or the face) of

    • 1When confronted with.

      her resolution in the face of the enemy
      Example sentencesExamples
      • This does not mean that you should do nothing in the face of adversity or confrontation.
      • As a group they command very little respect, but they must stand firm in the face of any confrontation.
      • Claremorris were not without chances during this period of play, and a somewhat over elaborate approach was a faulty tactic in face of resolute opposition defending.
      • Surviving in the face of adversity is a prerequisite for Newfoundland's logging contractors.
      • It was a good resolution, but one that failed in the face of a lovely sunny day.
      • While the game is about individuals in the face of confrontation, it is also about partnerships.
      1. 1.1Despite.
        reform had been introduced in the face of considerable opposition
        Example sentencesExamples
        • I felt kind of sorry for the guy, especially in the face of what I was about to do.
        • I mean, it is quite a thing to take away a man's job, even in the face of what looks to be gross misconduct.
        • David Blunkett has achieved much in life in the face of great personal adversity.
        • It's so easy to feel powerless in the face of all this stuff that it's very easy to give up.
        • This is his key argument, but it flies in the face of what most environmentalists probably hold to be true.
        • On the other hand, he's had a successful career despite this and smiled in the face of adversity.
        • When asked how she keeps going in the face of all her challenges, she smiles quietly.
        • They are also working to predict future demand in the face of further housing development.
        • People scratched their heads at the time in the face of what seemed an unlikely match.
        • It's a dire time, and pragmatism beats out idealism in the face of what we're all up against.
        Synonyms
        despite, notwithstanding, regardless of, for all

  • lose face

    • Be humiliated or come to be less highly respected.

      the code of conduct required that he strike back or lose face
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Many leaders don't want to lose face by admitting failures.
      • Also, asking for clarification may indicate lack of expertise and people don't want to lose face in doing that.
      Synonyms
      respect, honour, esteem, regard, admiration, approbation, acclaim, approval, favour, appreciation, popularity, estimation, veneration, awe, reverence, deference, recognition, prestige, standing, status, dignity, glory, kudos, cachet, image

  • loss of face

    • Humiliation.

      he could step aside now without loss of face
      Example sentencesExamples
      • But I do think that we have to pursue an approach that allows them to back off without a tremendous loss of face, because they will not accept anything else, and we have to stay clear of apology.
      • Because of the loss of face, she completely severed communications with me, even though she was supposed to use my advice and help for a project.
      • The question now is whether they will try to extricate themselves without too much loss of face or future (he could still win, of course).
      • Most sportspeople who operate at the highest level are paid - directly or indirectly - and without loss of face by administrators.
      • If I'm right, the next few years are going to see a lot of anguish from computer users who have suddenly realised that hard disk failure involves more than just inconvenience and loss of face.
      • I've incurred so many: loss of face (quite literally), cuts, bruises, lost tooth, a mysterious ‘third knee’ etc. etc.
      • But we have to learn diplomacy to show there is no loss of face in having basic skills improved, and we have to discover the talents that make people feel better about themselves.
      • You never know, we could see the day when anyone who loses the egg and spoon race will sue the school for loss of face.
      • When working with victims of partner or marital violence, the entry point to rapport building is to acknowledge victims' feelings of guilt, shame, and loss of face about seeking help.
      • His recent attack of you was childish and abusive and I was embarrassed for him for having lost control and showing anger in public, which in Asia entails a loss of face.

  • make (or pull) a face (or faces)

    • Produce a facial expression that shows dislike or some other negative emotion, or that is intended to be amusing.

      Anna pulled a funny face at the girl
      Example sentencesExamples
      • He hides behind the door and pulls faces at the camera.
      • When she caught him looking at her she frowned and made a face at him until he turned away.
      • She paused, pulling a face in dislike of its plainness.
      • She pulls a face to suggest that he was not happy about being called up, but he went in any case.
      • By the time, Revathy walked in, barely 10 minutes after the children were seated, one little boy was in tears and screaming while the rest were making futile attempts at pulling faces to cheer him up.
      • Daniel pulled a face at Arthur, making clear his disapproval and dislike of Alicia's suitor.
      • It's pure clownery, making faces and funny sounds in the hope that somebody will laugh.
      • He was shouting at me and pulling faces and laughing.
      • Nuvolari had a colourful driving style, sitting up high in the seat and pulling faces while racing.
      • So the next time you see me grimacing and tying to make faces: actually I'm not.
      Synonyms
      grimace, scowl, wry face, wince, frown, glower, smirk, pout, moue

  • off one's face

    • informal Very drunk or under the influence of illegal drugs.

      I had a great time going out clubbing and getting off my face
      Example sentencesExamples
      • You want to get off your face on jungle drugs and see visions.
      • I'd lose time too if I spent half my existence off my face while the taxi driver takes the scenic route home.
      • It may have been psychosomatic, but I swear I was feeling drunk, high, and generally off my face.
      • Back then, doormen were selling everything, and getting off their face and beating people up.
      • Slater was reported to be off his face on liquor and didn't agree with the arrest.
      • Of course I took some drugs, and of course I got off my face.
      • He said all agreed that in moderation alcohol was a good thing but that TV advertisements portrayed ‘people getting off their face on alcohol’.
      • But the promotion and celebration of a drugs culture, which they started, has been catastrophic - along with the idea that being off your face on drugs is equivalent to a state of grace.
      Synonyms
      intoxicated, inebriated, drunken, befuddled, incapable, tipsy, the worse for drink, under the influence, maudlin

  • on the face of it

    • Without knowing all of the relevant facts; apparently.

      on the face of it, these improvements look to be insignificant
      Example sentencesExamples
      • However, on the face of it, I thought probation might be appropriate.
      • And I think that we found that they are not as dissimilar as they seem on the face of it.
      • Like peace before the storm, Sunday was marked by total inaction at least on the face of it.
      • The occasion, on the face of it, was certainly not a happy one but the approach to it was so simple that it became a beautiful one.
      • So although on the face of it, I felt like I was back to normal, it seems I wasn't quite ready for staying up late.
      • Consumers, on the face of it, will be offered an attractive deal.
      • That, on the face of it, was a decision on the facts and on the background evidence before the adjudicator.
      • I know nothing of the court case in question but, on the face of it, this seems a very reasonable position.
      • You may suspect something's terribly wrong here and, on the face of it, you would be right.
      • I have had a look at that, and I think the reason is apparent on the face of it.
      Synonyms
      ostensibly, to the casual eye, at face value, to all appearances, from appearances, to go by appearances, to judge by appearances, to all intents and purposes, at first glance, on the surface, superficially

  • put a brave (or bold) face on something

    • Act as if something unpleasant is not as bad as it really is.

      he was putting a brave face on it but she knew he was shattered
      Example sentencesExamples
      • I can put a brave face on it, but really all I want to do is be by myself and weep for a month.
      • He is staying very positive but is hugely disappointed and is putting a brave face on it.
      • Meanwhile, Ostenstad is putting a brave face on his own injury set-back.
      • Mrs Driffill was putting a brave face on it yesterday as her daughter, son-in-law and neighbours flocked to help her mop up the water and thick mud.
      • He has put a brave face on it but he has taken it as a personal insult to himself and what he has achieved.
      • That put a brave face on it, but there were guilty consciences wherever you looked.
      • She was sure her absolute terror was showing but she tried to put a brave face on it anyway.
      • Very often nobody in the house knows how you feel and you put a brave face on it.
      • Tracey Morris tries to put a brave face on it, but there is no disguising the fact she is bitterly disappointed not to be competing in tomorrow's race.
      • Mrs Rollinson's 61-year-old son, Keith, said: ‘She's trying to put a brave face on it and we're doing what we can to improve security, but she's just wondering when it will happen again.’
      Synonyms
      front, show, display, act, appearance, false front, facade, exterior, guise, mask, masquerade, pretence, charade, pose, illusion, smokescreen, veneer, camouflage

  • put one's face on

    • informal Apply make-up to one's face.

      Paula spent two minutes putting on her face first thing
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Plus, Mom was blasting music in the next room while she was putting her face on.
      • It wasn't so much a conspiracy, as a rebellion against artifice, against middle age, against the idea that you could not leave the house ‘without putting your face on’.

  • save face

    • Avoid humiliation.

      allowing the guerrillas to save face and disarm
      Example sentencesExamples
      • It is clear that the way people react in the early stages of a breaking scandal will often mean the difference between saving face and losing all credibility.
      • It was a matter of saving face, not of saving games.
      • In tribally run district courts and within families, decisions that rule women's lives are a matter of obedience, convention and saving face.
      • As Tongans themselves point out, Tonga is what anthropologists call a shame culture, where personal and family image counts for much and saving face is of paramount importance.
      • One day an estranged celebrity couple is getting along; the next day it's an all-out war over custody, property or saving face.
      • The win yesterday was very much a case of two old professionals doing what they do best and saving face for the national team.
      • Reluctantly, they'll find a way of saving face while admitting that they're not quite up to where I want them to be.
      • The Foyle Assembly member said: ‘If this is about saving face, then people will be sceptical.’
      • As is typical with these sorts of arrangements, it only takes one slip to start an avalanche, coincidence always plays into the hands of the betrayed, and the most important thing above all is saving face.
      • That way, it would save face for me and avoid any further conflicts with Tinka and Victor.

  • save someone's face

    • Enable someone to avoid humiliation.

      he might be pretending to help her to save his face in front of Katarina
      Example sentencesExamples
      • I say to him that he should save his face and vote against this bill.
      • Here is a simple three-step program to save your face.
      • She said Parnell went through with the wedding: ‘To save my face and stop me looking like a complete idiot.’
      • So is it better to tell and hurt or lie to save their face?
      • Yet even as he spoke he was conscious that this verbal attempt to save his face did him no better service than his fencing.
      • Or you could just withdraw all the actions, but though it'll save your face from the drip-drip of bad publicity, it'll still make you look like a bunch of bungle-bounces.
      • He could have saved his face, but he had to let it out.
      • And under no circumstances will you ask her to wrap her own presents the night before Christmas in order to save your face in front of her parents.

  • set one's face against

    • Resist with determination.

      he had set his face against the idea
      Example sentencesExamples
      • I didn't set my face against him and say I'd never get married because I wanted to go into politics, it just happened.
      • Facial mapping was a relatively new technique, and this court agreed with the trial judge that ‘one should not set one's face against fresh developments, provided that they have a proper foundation.’
      • I read that Seend have set their face against traffic calming, removed road markings and seen traffic speeds drop by 5mph.
      • It was this principle - that once anything can be relative, nothing can be certain - which led him to set his face against the trend towards moral relativism.
      • But unless rents were to rise significantly, and we have set our face against such a change, progress would be slow.
      • We set our face against any kind of empire building and this has helped generate trust.
      • Can't he see that even the gods have set their face against him continuing?
      • In view of the recent highlighting of farm income difficulties, there no longer could be any justification for either the Minister for Agriculture or other parties to set their face against change, he said.
      • His home had become tainted; he set his face against it and loped away down the country lane.
      • Ireland, legally united with England in 1801, was still very uncertainly pacified, yet George III had set his face against the measure Pitt thought most likely to expedite that pacification, the admission of Catholics to Parliament.
      Synonyms
      be against, object to, be hostile to, be anti, be in opposition to, disagree with, dislike, disapprove of

  • throw something back in someone's face

    • Reject something in a brusque or ungracious manner.

      she'd given him her trust and he'd thrown it back in her face
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Honestly, I try to be nice to the boy and he throws it back in my face.
      • I was extending an olive branch and all you can do is throw it back in my face.
      • He worked hard to provide a service for just the kind of kids who threw it back in his face.
      • The vision paper was lost in the cacophony of protests from angry parents who wrapped the closure proposals up with the vision paper and threw the whole lot back in the council 's face.
      • Then, when they see you again (and they always see you again), the words are thrown back in your face.
      • We gave it every chance, but our goodwill has been thrown back in our face.
      • And like with all bullies, I also think the best way to treat such behaviour is to throw it back in their face - so it would be right to wear the incident like a badge of honour.
      • I put my health and safety on the line so she can go to a party and she throws it back in my face.
      • How could he throw her generosity back in her face?
      • When he gave them 300 roubles, the soldiers threw the notes back in his face and said: ‘You have dollars and only want to give us roubles.’

  • to one's face

    • Openly in one's presence.

      if you've got something to say to me, say it to my face
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Is it just me or does Gordon Campbell remind you of a person, most of you know one, who will say something to your face and laugh about you or tell stories about you behind your back?
      • I will tell you to your face what I've said off; no one can teach it better than you.
      • Either he doesn't have enough nerve to call, or he has so much nerve that he lies to your face.
      • Why can't I be brave enough to ask you to your face?
      • You don't often get rude things said to your face, but you get people writing letters, often anonymously, attacking your wish to be treated as fully human.
      • It's one thing being fed falsehoods over TV and radio but another kettle of rotten fish altogether when they do it straight to your face.

Phrasal Verbs

  • face off

    • Take up an attitude of confrontation, especially at the start of a fight or game.

      close to a million soldiers face off in the desert
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Ellis now found himself at Tiger Stadium for the All-Star Game, facing off against Blue in an historic matchup of minority pitchers.
      • This one of the most dangerous situations on the globe: two large countries with nuclear capability facing off against each other.
      • Joseph stepped away from the fallen soldiers and faced off against Saldraen.
      • Some 60,000 French soldiers faced off 6,000 English soldiers, mainly archers.
      • Divided into two teams of four, they face off in a game of paintball warfare in the woods.
      • The two teams will face off in a second game on Saturday at 2 p.m.
      • At the end of the month, weekly winners will then move on to the deathmatch round, facing off in a final reader poll.

Origin

Middle English: from Old French, based on Latin facies 'form, appearance, face'.

  • The word face, from Latin facies ‘form, appearance, face’, is used in many expressions. To fly in the face of, meaning ‘to do the opposite of’, is recorded from the 16th century. It is taken literally from the notion of a dog attacking someone by springing directly at them. To lose face, meaning to be humiliated, is a direct translation of a Chinese phrase. The 16th-century dramatist Christopher Marlowe coined the phrase the face that launched a thousand ships to describe the great beauty of Helen, whose abduction by Paris caused the Trojan War. Facet (early 17th century) is literally a ‘little face’ from French facette.

Rhymes

abase, ace, apace, backspace, base, bass, brace, case, chase, dace, efface, embrace, encase, enchase, enlace, grace, interlace, interspace, in-your-face, lace, mace, misplace, outface, outpace, pace, place, plaice, race, space, Thrace, trace, upper case
noun.1
phr.
phr.v.
 
 

Definition of face in US English:

face

nounfeɪsfās

  • 1The front part of a person's head from the forehead to the chin, or the corresponding part in an animal.

    1. 1.1 The face as expressing emotion; an expression shown on the face.
      the happy faces of these children
    2. 1.2 A manifestation or outward aspect of something.
      the unacceptable face of social drinking
    3. 1.3with adjective A person of a particular type.
      this season's squad has a lot of old faces in it

  • 2The surface of a thing, especially one that is presented to the view or has a particular function.

    1. 2.1Geometry Each of the surfaces of a solid.
      the faces of a cube
    2. 2.2 A vertical or sloping side of a mountain or cliff.
      the south face of Broad Peak
    3. 2.3 The side of a planet or moon facing the observer.
    4. 2.4 The front of a building.
    5. 2.5 The plate of a clock or watch bearing the digits or hands.
    6. 2.6 The distinctive side of a playing card.
    7. 2.7
      short for typeface
    8. 2.8 The side of a coin showing the head or principal design.
verbfeɪsfās
[with object]

  • 1Be positioned with the face or front toward (someone or something)

    he turned to face her
    Example sentencesExamples
    • Frankie sat facing the door that opened onto the back porch.
    • On the bungalow the porch faces the ocean.
    • But if the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, there should be no lunar tides.
    Synonyms
    look out on, front on to, look towards, be facing, afford a view of, command a view of, have a view of, look across, look over, open out over, look on to, overlook, give on to, give over, be opposite, be opposite to
    1. 1.1no object Have the face or front pointing in a specified direction.
      the house faces due east
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The kitchen faces out onto the dining room and into the living room, which is about 30 by 20 feet.
      • This building faces onto Blaxland road and Lane Cove road.
      • A breakfast room, which has recently been added onto the kitchen, faces onto the courtyard through a French door.
      • The building faces out over a great bend in the River Tay, which, with a good number of large windows, gives the residence a light and airy feel.
      • Although most rock shelters open on three sides, the Eagle Rock site faces north and is open on only one side.
      • They turned me to face downwards and I had my head in a vice, but the surgeon was ever so nice and set me at ease straight away.
      • Make sure your 27 cards are faced down in one pile.
      • For the best view people are advised to choose a dark location, away from city lights, and face away from the Moon.
    2. 1.2no object (of a soldier) turn in a particular direction.
      they immediately faced about
      Example sentencesExamples
      • For the movement Right Face, the preparatory command is "Right....", followed by the execution command "Face."
      • When Sarge barks, "About face!" he applies the same command to everyone in the platoon, and each soldier executes the command at the same time.
      • At the execution command "Face", the soldier swivels on his right heel and left toes, through a 90-degree (right) angle to his right.

  • 2Confront and deal with or accept.

    honesty forced her to face facts
    no object the candidates choose not to face up to the pragmatic issues
    1. 2.1face someone/something down Overcome someone or something by a show of determination.
      he faced down persistent hecklers at a noontime rally
    2. 2.2 Have (a difficult event or situation) in prospect.
      each defendant faced a maximum sentence of 10 years
    3. 2.3 (of a problem or difficult situation) present itself to and require action from (someone)
      if you were suddenly faced with an emergency, would you know how to cope?

  • 3usually be faced withCover the surface of (something) with a layer of a different material.

    the external basement walls were faced with granite slabs
    Example sentencesExamples
    • Dining room and kitchen cabinets and drawers are faced with predominantly gray and blue laminate.
    • The pedestal or ground floor of the main building is faced with granite from Little Cottonwood Canyon.
    • If you turn off Tottenham Court Road onto Chenies Street you will see in front of you a building faced with a stone which reflects like a mirror on a sunny day.
    Synonyms
    cover, clad, veneer, skin, overlay, surface, dress, pave, put a facing on, laminate, inlay, plate, coat, line

Phrases

  • face down

    • With the face or surface turned toward the ground.

      he lay face down on his bed
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The athlete then uses their arms to pull them, feet first, upwards, simultaneously turning about the pole so that they can cross the bar face downwards before dropping on to the mat.
      • These had been knocked down by the force of the wind and now lay face down on the tarmac.
      • He suffered a head injury and was found face down in the shallow water by a passer-by on Sunday morning.
      • Lie face down on the ground, with your hands under your chin and your elbows tucked in close to your body.
      • He grinned, and lay face down on the ground, taking up nearly all the space in the room.
      • Landulf wept and lay face down on the ground until the emperor sent his proceres over to raise him up and bring him.
      • I had tripped up and was tumbling over it face down, prone and helpless, the way you do in a bad dream.
      • Stick them on to individual pieces of card and lay them face down on the table.
      • One look to the buggy said he wasn't there and one to the floor showed him lying face down having fallen out.
      • Paul is lying face down on a treatment couch in a room at the Healing Clinic in York's Fulford Cross.
      Synonyms
      lying face down, face downwards, on one's stomach, on one's front

  • face the music

    • Be confronted with the unpleasant consequences of one's actions.

      Example sentencesExamples
      • But unless you are in the top 50 then you have to face the music, and the music is that you're not in the tournament.
      • But a guitar-strumming member of the faithful political band has faced the music on a minor drugs charge.
      • The main perpetrator has not been found and Shane is here facing the music.
      • The defendant acknowledged what he did was wrong, had not sought to distance himself and was facing the music.
      • There's an anonymous quote which goes: ‘A real leader faces the music, even when he doesn't like the tune.’
      • The bottom line is that athletes need to clean up, start facing the music and actually start acting like role models.
      • ‘I was scared witless, so I just sank a double brandy, said to myself it's now or never ’, and faced the music.
      • This is my fear - being confronted with my irresponsibility, facing the music of my selfishness, learning that I've been caught doing my most embarrassing action.
      • Instead of facing the music, the multibillionaire decamped for Switzerland, beyond the reach of U.S. law.
      • Both those at the helm of affairs and those guilty of the crime would like to close the chapter either because it is too embarrassing an issue for them or because they may have to face the music if law takes its own course.

  • the face of the earth

    • Used for emphasis, to refer to the existence or disappearance of someone or something.

      he's just disappeared off the face of the earth
      the most grueling training on the face of the earth
      Example sentencesExamples
      • This stretch of highway is quite possibly the most boring road on the face of the planet.
      • Within 30 hours of the move she had gone - disappeared off the face of the earth.
      • Being a helpdesk operator has to be one of the most thankless tasks on the face of the planet.
      • I can't remember whether she said this was going to happen or has she just disappeared off the face of the earth?
      • She felt like screaming and crying and just disappearing off of the face of the earth all at the same time.
      • Why have they seemingly vanished from the face of the planet in terms of their public profile?
      • Common sense seems to be disappearing off the face of the earth.
      • ‘This is not an argument for wiping badgers off the face of the earth,’ he writes.
      • Why are you the only human being on the face of the planet who could possibly write this book?
      • Today, and for all my tomorrows, I consider myself the luckiest person on the face of the earth.

  • face up

    • With the face or surface turned upward to view.

      place the panel face up before cutting
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Announce the number of cards you wish to exchange aloud, when you lay them face down on the table.
      • Placing an object face upwards so as to be visible to a friend a hundred miles away would be to put it in the public sphere.
      • When doing this exercise, lie face up with your legs bent and feet flat on the floor.
      • Let's start with cards on the table face upwards.
      • We'd deal a hand each, put the rest of the deck between us, turn the top card on the deck face up, and begin.

  • get out of someone's face

    • informal usually as imperativeStop harassing or annoying someone.

      shut up and get out of my face
      Example sentencesExamples
      • He said that they wouldn't get out of his face and were calling him all sorts of ugly names.
      • I'm tired, I'm hungry, I have no money, I'm going to lose my job and I'm going to fail my junior year of high school if you don't get out of my face.
      • I don't like to be looked at so get out of my face!
      • Looking up at her in the same glare I had used before, I replied, ‘Either ask me to move nicely, or get out of my face.’
      • She'd have called me a liar and told me to get out of her face.
      • Now get out of my face before I really lose my temper.
      • I don't care where you go, just get out of my face.
      • It's none of your business, Kass, get out of my face!
      • ‘Ugh, get out of my face, James,’ I say rudely before pushing him away.
      • I'm sorry, but you wouldn't get out of my face so I had to say something to make you stop.

  • have the face to do something

    • dated Have the effrontery to do something.

      Example sentencesExamples
      • I wonder he had the face to talk so: but he lent me money, and that's enough.
      • And now, instantly after that amazing and mad generosity, she had the face to look cross because he would not buy Wilbraham Hall!
      Synonyms
      effrontery, audacity, nerve, gall, brazenness, brashness, shamelessness

  • in one's face

    • Directly at or against one; as one approaches.

      she slammed the door in my face
      Example sentencesExamples
      • I have visited hundreds of people and had the door slammed in my face.
      • So we have no public policy and that has a very - a very bad effect on our scientists because they don't know what to do because the door might be slammed in their face.
      • Time does not make the frustrations of having so many doors slammed in your face less painful.
      • I'm not the sort of person who can brusquely say ‘not today thank you’ and slam the door firmly in their face.
      • If so, I think he might get upset and potentially bitter when the door gets slammed in his face.
      • One chap slammed the door in his face but not before he told him he already had enough double-glazing.
      • And then she shut the door in our faces, left us there on the front porch and went to make the cup of tea.
      • One pensioner refused to allow the caller into her house, and slammed the door in his face.
      • Whenever he goes to play in public, he seems to get doors slammed in his face.
      • I introduced myself, waiting for the door to be slammed in my face and, surprise, she let me in and started to talk.

  • in face (or the face) of

    • 1When confronted with.

      her resolution in the face of the enemy
      Example sentencesExamples
      • While the game is about individuals in the face of confrontation, it is also about partnerships.
      • Surviving in the face of adversity is a prerequisite for Newfoundland's logging contractors.
      • It was a good resolution, but one that failed in the face of a lovely sunny day.
      • Claremorris were not without chances during this period of play, and a somewhat over elaborate approach was a faulty tactic in face of resolute opposition defending.
      • This does not mean that you should do nothing in the face of adversity or confrontation.
      • As a group they command very little respect, but they must stand firm in the face of any confrontation.
      1. 1.1Despite.
        reform had been introduced in the face of considerable opposition
        Example sentencesExamples
        • I felt kind of sorry for the guy, especially in the face of what I was about to do.
        • On the other hand, he's had a successful career despite this and smiled in the face of adversity.
        • People scratched their heads at the time in the face of what seemed an unlikely match.
        • This is his key argument, but it flies in the face of what most environmentalists probably hold to be true.
        • David Blunkett has achieved much in life in the face of great personal adversity.
        • I mean, it is quite a thing to take away a man's job, even in the face of what looks to be gross misconduct.
        • It's so easy to feel powerless in the face of all this stuff that it's very easy to give up.
        • It's a dire time, and pragmatism beats out idealism in the face of what we're all up against.
        • They are also working to predict future demand in the face of further housing development.
        • When asked how she keeps going in the face of all her challenges, she smiles quietly.
        Synonyms
        despite, notwithstanding, regardless of, for all

  • lose face

    • Suffer a loss of respect; be humiliated.

      the code of conduct required that he strike back or lose face
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Also, asking for clarification may indicate lack of expertise and people don't want to lose face in doing that.
      • Many leaders don't want to lose face by admitting failures.
      Synonyms
      respect, honour, esteem, regard, admiration, approbation, acclaim, approval, favour, appreciation, popularity, estimation, veneration, awe, reverence, deference, recognition, prestige, standing, status, dignity, glory, kudos, cachet, image

  • loss of face

    • A loss of respect; humiliation.

      he could step aside now without loss of face
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Because of the loss of face, she completely severed communications with me, even though she was supposed to use my advice and help for a project.
      • Most sportspeople who operate at the highest level are paid - directly or indirectly - and without loss of face by administrators.
      • If I'm right, the next few years are going to see a lot of anguish from computer users who have suddenly realised that hard disk failure involves more than just inconvenience and loss of face.
      • I've incurred so many: loss of face (quite literally), cuts, bruises, lost tooth, a mysterious ‘third knee’ etc. etc.
      • You never know, we could see the day when anyone who loses the egg and spoon race will sue the school for loss of face.
      • But I do think that we have to pursue an approach that allows them to back off without a tremendous loss of face, because they will not accept anything else, and we have to stay clear of apology.
      • When working with victims of partner or marital violence, the entry point to rapport building is to acknowledge victims' feelings of guilt, shame, and loss of face about seeking help.
      • But we have to learn diplomacy to show there is no loss of face in having basic skills improved, and we have to discover the talents that make people feel better about themselves.
      • The question now is whether they will try to extricate themselves without too much loss of face or future (he could still win, of course).
      • His recent attack of you was childish and abusive and I was embarrassed for him for having lost control and showing anger in public, which in Asia entails a loss of face.

  • make (or pull) a face (or faces)

    • Produce an expression on one's face that shows dislike, disgust, or some other negative emotion, or that is intended to be amusing.

      she made a face and tossed her purse at him
      Example sentencesExamples
      • He was shouting at me and pulling faces and laughing.
      • He hides behind the door and pulls faces at the camera.
      • It's pure clownery, making faces and funny sounds in the hope that somebody will laugh.
      • Nuvolari had a colourful driving style, sitting up high in the seat and pulling faces while racing.
      • Daniel pulled a face at Arthur, making clear his disapproval and dislike of Alicia's suitor.
      • When she caught him looking at her she frowned and made a face at him until he turned away.
      • So the next time you see me grimacing and tying to make faces: actually I'm not.
      • By the time, Revathy walked in, barely 10 minutes after the children were seated, one little boy was in tears and screaming while the rest were making futile attempts at pulling faces to cheer him up.
      • She pulls a face to suggest that he was not happy about being called up, but he went in any case.
      • She paused, pulling a face in dislike of its plainness.
      Synonyms
      grimace, scowl, wry face, wince, frown, glower, smirk, pout, moue

  • on the face of it

    • Without knowing all of the relevant facts; at first glance.

      on the face of it, these improvements look to be insignificant
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The occasion, on the face of it, was certainly not a happy one but the approach to it was so simple that it became a beautiful one.
      • I know nothing of the court case in question but, on the face of it, this seems a very reasonable position.
      • I have had a look at that, and I think the reason is apparent on the face of it.
      • That, on the face of it, was a decision on the facts and on the background evidence before the adjudicator.
      • Consumers, on the face of it, will be offered an attractive deal.
      • You may suspect something's terribly wrong here and, on the face of it, you would be right.
      • However, on the face of it, I thought probation might be appropriate.
      • And I think that we found that they are not as dissimilar as they seem on the face of it.
      • Like peace before the storm, Sunday was marked by total inaction at least on the face of it.
      • So although on the face of it, I felt like I was back to normal, it seems I wasn't quite ready for staying up late.
      Synonyms
      ostensibly, to the casual eye, at face value, to all appearances, from appearances, to go by appearances, to judge by appearances, to all intents and purposes, at first glance, on the surface, superficially

  • put a good (or brave or bold) face on something

    • Act as if something unpleasant or upsetting is not as bad as it really is.

      he tried to put a good face on the financial picture
      Example sentencesExamples
      • He is staying very positive but is hugely disappointed and is putting a brave face on it.
      • Very often nobody in the house knows how you feel and you put a brave face on it.
      • She was sure her absolute terror was showing but she tried to put a brave face on it anyway.
      • He has put a brave face on it but he has taken it as a personal insult to himself and what he has achieved.
      • Meanwhile, Ostenstad is putting a brave face on his own injury set-back.
      • Tracey Morris tries to put a brave face on it, but there is no disguising the fact she is bitterly disappointed not to be competing in tomorrow's race.
      • I can put a brave face on it, but really all I want to do is be by myself and weep for a month.
      • That put a brave face on it, but there were guilty consciences wherever you looked.
      • Mrs Rollinson's 61-year-old son, Keith, said: ‘She's trying to put a brave face on it and we're doing what we can to improve security, but she's just wondering when it will happen again.’
      • Mrs Driffill was putting a brave face on it yesterday as her daughter, son-in-law and neighbours flocked to help her mop up the water and thick mud.
      Synonyms
      front, show, display, act, appearance, false front, facade, exterior, guise, mask, masquerade, pretence, charade, pose, illusion, smokescreen, veneer, camouflage

  • put one's face on

    • informal Apply makeup to one's face.

      Example sentencesExamples
      • It wasn't so much a conspiracy, as a rebellion against artifice, against middle age, against the idea that you could not leave the house ‘without putting your face on’.
      • Plus, Mom was blasting music in the next room while she was putting her face on.

  • save face

    • Retain respect; avoid humiliation.

      an outcome that allows them all to save face
      Example sentencesExamples
      • It is clear that the way people react in the early stages of a breaking scandal will often mean the difference between saving face and losing all credibility.
      • It was a matter of saving face, not of saving games.
      • One day an estranged celebrity couple is getting along; the next day it's an all-out war over custody, property or saving face.
      • That way, it would save face for me and avoid any further conflicts with Tinka and Victor.
      • In tribally run district courts and within families, decisions that rule women's lives are a matter of obedience, convention and saving face.
      • Reluctantly, they'll find a way of saving face while admitting that they're not quite up to where I want them to be.
      • As Tongans themselves point out, Tonga is what anthropologists call a shame culture, where personal and family image counts for much and saving face is of paramount importance.
      • The win yesterday was very much a case of two old professionals doing what they do best and saving face for the national team.
      • The Foyle Assembly member said: ‘If this is about saving face, then people will be sceptical.’
      • As is typical with these sorts of arrangements, it only takes one slip to start an avalanche, coincidence always plays into the hands of the betrayed, and the most important thing above all is saving face.

  • save someone's face

    • Enable someone to avoid humiliation.

      he might be pretending to help her to save his face in front of Katarina
      Example sentencesExamples
      • And under no circumstances will you ask her to wrap her own presents the night before Christmas in order to save your face in front of her parents.
      • Yet even as he spoke he was conscious that this verbal attempt to save his face did him no better service than his fencing.
      • So is it better to tell and hurt or lie to save their face?
      • I say to him that he should save his face and vote against this bill.
      • She said Parnell went through with the wedding: ‘To save my face and stop me looking like a complete idiot.’
      • Or you could just withdraw all the actions, but though it'll save your face from the drip-drip of bad publicity, it'll still make you look like a bunch of bungle-bounces.
      • He could have saved his face, but he had to let it out.
      • Here is a simple three-step program to save your face.

  • set one's face against

    • Oppose or resist with determination.

      he had set his face against the idea
      Example sentencesExamples
      • I didn't set my face against him and say I'd never get married because I wanted to go into politics, it just happened.
      • His home had become tainted; he set his face against it and loped away down the country lane.
      • I read that Seend have set their face against traffic calming, removed road markings and seen traffic speeds drop by 5mph.
      • Can't he see that even the gods have set their face against him continuing?
      • It was this principle - that once anything can be relative, nothing can be certain - which led him to set his face against the trend towards moral relativism.
      • In view of the recent highlighting of farm income difficulties, there no longer could be any justification for either the Minister for Agriculture or other parties to set their face against change, he said.
      • We set our face against any kind of empire building and this has helped generate trust.
      • Ireland, legally united with England in 1801, was still very uncertainly pacified, yet George III had set his face against the measure Pitt thought most likely to expedite that pacification, the admission of Catholics to Parliament.
      • But unless rents were to rise significantly, and we have set our face against such a change, progress would be slow.
      • Facial mapping was a relatively new technique, and this court agreed with the trial judge that ‘one should not set one's face against fresh developments, provided that they have a proper foundation.’
      Synonyms
      be against, object to, be hostile to, be anti, be in opposition to, disagree with, dislike, disapprove of

  • throw something back in someone's face

    • Reject something in a brusque or ungracious manner.

      she'd given him her trust and he'd thrown it back in her face
      Example sentencesExamples
      • When he gave them 300 roubles, the soldiers threw the notes back in his face and said: ‘You have dollars and only want to give us roubles.’
      • And like with all bullies, I also think the best way to treat such behaviour is to throw it back in their face - so it would be right to wear the incident like a badge of honour.
      • He worked hard to provide a service for just the kind of kids who threw it back in his face.
      • We gave it every chance, but our goodwill has been thrown back in our face.
      • Honestly, I try to be nice to the boy and he throws it back in my face.
      • I put my health and safety on the line so she can go to a party and she throws it back in my face.
      • The vision paper was lost in the cacophony of protests from angry parents who wrapped the closure proposals up with the vision paper and threw the whole lot back in the council 's face.
      • How could he throw her generosity back in her face?
      • Then, when they see you again (and they always see you again), the words are thrown back in your face.
      • I was extending an olive branch and all you can do is throw it back in my face.

  • to one's face

    • Openly in one's presence.

      you're telling me to my face I'm a liar
      Example sentencesExamples
      • You don't often get rude things said to your face, but you get people writing letters, often anonymously, attacking your wish to be treated as fully human.
      • Why can't I be brave enough to ask you to your face?
      • Is it just me or does Gordon Campbell remind you of a person, most of you know one, who will say something to your face and laugh about you or tell stories about you behind your back?
      • Either he doesn't have enough nerve to call, or he has so much nerve that he lies to your face.
      • I will tell you to your face what I've said off; no one can teach it better than you.
      • It's one thing being fed falsehoods over TV and radio but another kettle of rotten fish altogether when they do it straight to your face.

Phrasal Verbs

  • face off

    • 1Take up an attitude of confrontation, especially at the start of a fight or game.

      close to a million soldiers face off in the desert
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Ellis now found himself at Tiger Stadium for the All-Star Game, facing off against Blue in an historic matchup of minority pitchers.
      • At the end of the month, weekly winners will then move on to the deathmatch round, facing off in a final reader poll.
      • Divided into two teams of four, they face off in a game of paintball warfare in the woods.
      • This one of the most dangerous situations on the globe: two large countries with nuclear capability facing off against each other.
      • Joseph stepped away from the fallen soldiers and faced off against Saldraen.
      • Some 60,000 French soldiers faced off 6,000 English soldiers, mainly archers.
      • The two teams will face off in a second game on Saturday at 2 p.m.
      1. 1.1Start or restart play with a face-off.

Origin

Middle English: from Old French, based on Latin facies ‘form, appearance, face’.

noun.1
phr.
phr.v.
 
 
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更新时间：2024/12/23 8:59:48