Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Have a long face
Look unhappy or disappointed
Understanding the Idiom: Have a Long Face Meaning
The idiom "have a long face" is a common expression used in English. It describes someone's appearance when they are feeling unhappy, sad, or disappointed. The visual image is of the face appearing to droop slightly, suggesting a state of sadness or gloom.
Let's break down the meaning and look at the options provided for the idiom "have a long face".
Analyzing the Options for "Have a Long Face"
We are asked to select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom "have a long face" from the given options:
- Option 1: Look unhappy or disappointed
This option aligns perfectly with the standard meaning of the idiom "have a long face". When someone is unhappy or disappointed, their facial expression often reflects this state, appearing sad or downcast, which is metaphorically described as having a "long face". - Option 2: Portray an ugly expression
This option is incorrect. The idiom "have a long face" refers to an emotional state (unhappiness, disappointment), not a physical judgment about someone's appearance being ugly. Sadness or disappointment is not the same as portraying an ugly expression. - Option 3: Look extremely happy
This option is the opposite of the meaning of "have a long face". Happiness is typically associated with smiles and brighter expressions, not a "long face". - Option 4: Look very confident
This option is also incorrect. Confidence is usually shown through a steady gaze, upright posture, and often a neutral or slightly positive expression, not a "long face" which indicates sadness or disappointment.
Based on the common usage and definition, the most appropriate meaning of "have a long face" is to look unhappy or disappointed.
Idiom Usage Examples: Have a Long Face
Here are a couple of examples showing how the idiom "have a long face" is used in sentences:
- She had a long face after failing the exam. (She looked unhappy or disappointed.)
- Why the long face? Did something bad happen? (Why do you look unhappy or sad?)
- He came back from the meeting with a long face, so I knew the news wasn't good. (He came back looking disappointed.)
Revision Table: Key Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Have a long face | To look unhappy or disappointed | She had a long face when she heard the news. |
| Break a leg | Good luck (especially before a performance) | "Break a leg!" the director told the actors. |
| Bite the bullet | To face a difficult situation with courage | He decided to bite the bullet and confess his mistake. |
| Let the cat out of the bag | To reveal a secret | I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party. |
Additional Information: Learning Idioms
Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meaning cannot be deduced simply from the literal meaning of its individual words. Learning idioms is important for understanding native speakers and improving your fluency in a language. The meaning of idioms is often cultural or historical.
Tips for learning idioms like "have a long face":
- Context is key: Pay attention to how idioms are used in sentences.
- Categorize them: Group idioms by topic (e.g., feelings, time, food).
- Use them: Try incorporating new idioms into your own conversations or writing.
- Look for patterns: Sometimes idioms share common words or themes.
Understanding idioms like "have a long face" helps in comprehending spoken and written English more effectively.
Important Questions from Miscellaneous
A stone is thrown horizontally from the top of a 20 m high building with a speed of 12 m/s. It hits the ground at a distance R from the building. Taking g = 10 m/s2 and neglecting air resistance will give :
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A railway wagon (open at the top) of mass M1 is moving with speed v1 along a straight track. As a result of rain, after some time it gets partially filled with water so that the mass of the wagon becomes M2 and speed becomes v2. Taking the rain to be falling vertically and the water stationery inside the wagon, the relation between the two speeds v1 and v2 is :
Consider the following statements:
1. Distance between the longitudes becomes zero on North Pole and South Pole.
2. Distance between the longitudes is maximum on the Equator.
3. Number of longitudes is more than number of latitudes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
One block of 2⋅0 kg mass is placed on top of another block of 3⋅0 kg mass. The coefficient of static friction between the two blocks is 0⋅2. The bottom block is pulled with a horizontal force F such that both the blocks move together without slipping. Taking acceleration due to gravity as 10 m/s2, the maximum value of the frictional force is :
