(にがむし)()(つぶ)したよう

にがむしをかみつぶしたよう
expression
looking sour; bitter-faced; looking extremely displeased
emotionappearanceidiom
1. looking sour; bitter-faced; looking extremely displeased
An idiomatic expression describing a facial expression of extreme displeasure, irritation, or bitterness, as if one had bitten down on something intolerably bitter.
苦虫(にがむし)()(つぶ)したような(かお)していた
He had a sour expression on his face.
部長(ぶちょう)報告(ほうこく)()いて苦虫(にがむし)()(つぶ)したような表情(ひょうじょう)になった。
Upon hearing the report, the department head's expression turned sour.
Having lost the match, the coach faced the press conference with a grimly bitter expression.

Literally "as if one had crushed a bitter bug in one's teeth." 苦虫(にがむし) is not a real insect — it is an imaginary creature used only in this idiom to evoke an intensely bitter taste. The expression vividly captures the tightened lips and furrowed brow of someone deeply displeased.

Usage

Almost always used in the pattern 苦虫(にがむし)()(つぶ)したような + noun (especially (かお) or 表情(ひょうじょう)). Describes suppressed displeasure — the person is unhappy but not shouting or crying; instead, the emotion shows silently in their face.

Common patterns

  • 苦虫(にがむし)()(つぶ)したような(かお): a bitter, sour face
  • 苦虫(にがむし)()(つぶ)したような表情(ひょうじょう): a displeased expression

Similar words

  • (しぶ)(かお): a sour face; a reluctant look — less extreme; can imply reluctance rather than displeasure
  • 不機嫌(ふきげん)(かお): an ill-tempered face — more direct, less vivid
  • 仏頂面(ぶっちょうづら): a sulky face; scowl — implies stubbornness and refusal to engage