wipe the smile off someone's face

wipe the/that smile off (one's) face

To stop smiling or appearing pleased. Often used in an aggressive imperative addressed to one who appears to be enjoying the frustration or annoyance they are causing the speaker. Wipe that smile off your face, you little punk. You're going to pay for that! He can gloat all he wants, but this subpoena will wipe the smile off his face.

See also: face, off, smile, that, wipe

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

wipe the smile off someone's face

cause someone to stop feeling so contented, complacent, or proud.

See also: face, off, smile, wipe

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017