red in the face
1
feeling severely ashamed or embarrassed
The idiom "red in the face" has been in use since at least the 19th century, and it is believed to have originated from observations of people's facial color changes when experiencing strong emotions or exertion. This phrase can be applied to personal interactions, such as when someone is caught in a lie, publicly criticized, or experiencing humiliation.
- She turns red in the face every time she speaks in public.
- The child goes red in the face when scolded by his parents.
- He turned red in the face when he realized his mistake.
- She will be red in the face if she forgets her lines during the performance.
- They would be red in the face if they were caught cheating on the exam.
2
having a flushed complexion due to physical exertion
- After running the marathon, she was panting and red in the face.