written all over someone’s face: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘written all over someone's face’ mean?
The idiom "written all over someone's face" means that someone's true feelings or emotions are clearly visible to others through their facial expressions.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "there for everyone to see" means something that is clearly visible or obvious to everyone, leaving no room for doubt or interpretation.
The idiom "say it all" means to fully express or reveal everything, leaving nothing unsaid or unexplained.
The idiom "save someone's face" means to protect someone's reputation or dignity by preventing them from feeling embarrassment or humiliation.
The idiom "rub off on" means to influence or have an impact on someone, typically in terms of their behavior, attitude, or habits.
The idiom "red face test" is a metaphorical expression that refers to a situation where someone is embarrassed or ashamed by their actions or words. It implies a test of one's honesty, credibility, or integrity, as one might turn red in the face when feeling guilty or caught in a lie.
The idiom "read someone's mind" means to accurately understand or predict someone's thoughts or intentions without them expressing them verbally.
The idiom "pull faces" means making funny or distorted facial expressions to show amusement, disbelief, or contempt.
The idiom "pull a face" means to make a facial expression, usually one that shows dislike, disgust, or annoyance.
The idiom "piece of someone" means to have a deep understanding or knowledge of someone's character or personality.
Unveiling Inner Truths
The idiom "written all over someone's face" is a common expression in the English language. It is used to describe a situation where someone's feelings, emotions, or thoughts are clearly and visibly shown on their facial expressions. The idiom implies that the person's true thoughts or feelings are so evident that they can be read or understood just by looking at their face.
The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the idea that facial expressions can often reveal one's internal state. The face is considered to be a mirror of the emotions and thoughts that lie beneath the surface. The idiom suggests that these emotions or thoughts are so apparent that they are as if they were physically written on the person's face.
The idiom is often used in various contexts, such as when someone is trying to hide their emotions but fails to do so convincingly. It can also be used to describe situations where someone's true feelings or intentions become evident despite their attempts to conceal them. The idiom implies that the person's facial expressions are so telling that they reveal the truth without the need for further explanation or interpretation.
This idiom is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing, as it effectively conveys the idea that one's true thoughts or feelings are easily discernible through their facial expressions. It has become a figurative expression that is understood by English speakers and used to describe situations where there is a clear and visible display of emotions or thoughts on someone's face.
The idiom "in someone's face" is related to the expression "written all over someone's face." It is used to describe a situation where someone's actions or behavior are confrontational or aggressive. The phrase implies that the person's actions are so direct and bold that they are done right in front of the other person's face, without any attempt to hide or conceal them.
The phrase "in someone's face" can also be used to describe a situation where someone is being overly intrusive or invasive in someone else's personal space. It suggests that the person is crossing boundaries and invading the other person's personal space in a way that is disrespectful or unwelcome.
The idiom "on the face of" is another related expression that can be used in conjunction with "written all over someone's face." It is used to describe a situation or appearance that is evident or obvious. The phrase suggests that the evidence or appearance of something is so clear that it can be seen or understood just by looking at it, without the need for further investigation or analysis.
The phrase "on the face of" can also be used to express doubt or skepticism about the truth or validity of something. It implies that while something may appear certain or obvious at first glance, there may be underlying factors or hidden complexities that need to be considered before making a final judgment or conclusion.
have a face like the back end of a bus
The idiom "have a face like the back end of a bus" is a more humorous and informal expression that is used to describe someone who has an unattractive or unpleasant facial expression. The phrase implies that the person's face is so unappealing or uninviting that it resembles the rear end of a bus, which is often regarded as unsightly or undesirable.
The phrase "have a face like the back end of a bus" can also be used to describe someone who appears unpleasant or unfriendly in their demeanor or attitude. It suggests that the person's facial expression or overall appearance gives off a negative or unapproachable vibe, similar to the reputation of the back end of a bus.
In conclusion
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "written all over someone's face" can be used in a sentence:
- Her excitement was written all over her face when she received the job offer.
- It was clear that he was lying, as guilt was written all over his face.
- Disappointment was written all over their faces after their favorite team lost the game.
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