What does “Wipe the smile of someone's face” mean?

"Wipe the smile off someone's face" means to make someone stop smiling or become serious.

What context can I use the in?

Example

His sarcastic comment wiped the smile off her face.

Example

The bad news wiped the smile off his face.

Example

She couldn't help but laugh, but his stern look quickly wiped the smile off her face

Is “Wipe the smile of someone's face” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Wipe the smile of someone's face” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Wipe the smile of someone's face” effectively in context?

You can use "Wipe the smile off someone's face" to describe an action or event that causes someone to stop smiling or become serious. It implies a sudden change in mood or expression. For example, if someone receives bad news, you might say, 'The news wiped the smile off his face.'

1Embarrassment
His sarcastic comment wiped the smile off her face.
2Disappointment
The bad news wiped the smile off his face.
3Seriousness
She couldn't help but laugh, but his stern look quickly wiped the smile off her face.

Similar phrases to “Wipe the smile of someone's face”:

Kill the mood

To ruin a happy or joyful atmosphere

Example

His negative comment killed the mood at the party.

Rain on someone's parade

To spoil someone's plans or happiness

Example

Her criticism rained on his parade and made him lose enthusiasm.

Put a damper on

To make something less enjoyable or exciting

Example

The rain put a damper on our outdoor picnic.

Take the wind out of someone's sails

To deflate someone's confidence or enthusiasm

Example

His criticism took the wind out of her sails and made her doubt herself.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Wipe the smile of someone's face” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Wipe the smile off someone's face" is unknown.

Is “Wipe the smile of someone's face” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Wipe the smile off someone's face" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where someone's happiness or joy is suddenly taken away.

What tone does “Wipe the smile of someone's face” have?

"Wipe the smile off someone's face" conveys a tone of disappointment or seriousness. It is used to describe situations that cause a shift in mood or expression.

Can “Wipe the smile of someone's face” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Wipe the smile off someone's face" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a sudden change in mood or expression. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'His harsh words wiped the smile off her face.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That news really "wiped the smile off"!' to imply a sudden change in mood.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

make someone serious
remove the smile
take away the joy
spoil the happiness
change the mood

Antonyms

make someone smile
bring joy
lighten the mood
make someone laugh
brighten the day