Be written all over somebody’s face
verb phrase
To be very obvious or visible.
His guilt was written all over his face.
Often appears as...
- guilt is written all over his face
- happiness is written all over her face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To express or show a particular emotion or quality very clearly.
Anxiety was written all over her face as she waited for the news.
Often appears as...
- anxiety is written all over her face
- excitement is written all over his face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To be very obvious or visible.
His guilt was written all over his face.
Often appears as...
- guilt is written all over his face
- happiness is written all over her face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To express or show a particular emotion or quality very clearly.
Anxiety was written all over her face as she waited for the news.
Often appears as...
- anxiety is written all over her face
- excitement is written all over his face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Non-Literal Meaning
The phrase doesn't mean actual writing, but that the feeling is so clear it might as well be.
When she won the award, joy was written all over her face.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Emotions
It's often used to describe negative emotions that someone tries to hide, but fails.
Even though he pretended to be fine, his sadness was written all over his face.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Emotions
It can also highlight positive feelings that are unmistakably displayed.
Her pride in her children's achievements was written all over her face.
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