The phrase "wears a long face" means to have a sad or gloomy expression. The spelling of this phrase in IPA phonetic transcription is /weərz ə lɒŋ feɪs/. The first sound in "wears" is the /w/ sound, followed by the diphthong /eə/. The second word, "a", is pronounced with a schwa sound /ə/. The third word, "long", has the /l/ and /ɒ/ sounds, followed by the diphthong /ɔŋ/. The final word, "face", has a long vowel sound /eɪ/ and the consonant /s/.
The idiomatic phrase "wears a long face" refers to the facial expression or appearance of someone who appears sad, unhappy, or disappointed. This expression is often used to describe individuals who exhibit a noticeable sense of gloominess or dejection on their countenance.
When someone "wears a long face," their demeanor is marked by an elongated or solemn look that conveys a deep emotional state. The phrase implies that this person is burdened by their thoughts or troubles, which are reflected in their facial expression. They may showcase a downcast gaze, drooped eyes, furrowed brows, or a drawn mouth, indicating their despondency.
The usage of this phrase typically stems from the idea that a person's emotional state can be visually perceived through their facial expressions. It suggests that one's inner emotions are manifested outwardly, particularly on their face. Therefore, someone who "wears a long face" is readily identifiable by their gloomy appearance, signifying their inner sadness or disappointment.
The figurative meaning of "wears a long face" extends beyond facial expressions to imply a general sense of unhappiness or dissatisfaction with a situation. It suggests that the person in question is deeply affected or disheartened by a specific event, circumstance, or outcome, often leading others to perceive them as melancholic or dispirited.