telling expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "telling expression" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an expression that conveys a significant or revealing emotion or message. Example: "Her face had a telling expression that revealed her true feelings about the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

His father listened silently with no telling expression on his face.

The New York Times

A particularly telling expression of the new attitude can be found in a 2009 pamphlet called Spread This Wealth.

The Guardian

For a more complex case, where a traditional mesh is augmented with some additional diagonal links, after providing a telling expression for the average distance between its two processors, we prove that this latter expression cannot be represented in a closed-form format, with respect to a fairly general class of "standard operations", namely, the class of the hypergeometric terms.

Computers & Mathematics with Applications

Perhaps the most telling expression of this ethos comes from Maj. Max Geron, a security studies scholar who heads up the Dallas Police Department's media relations department. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

His trademarks were subtle but telling facial expressions and exquisitely nuanced performances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Q. Can regular people learn to get better at telling real expressions from fake ones? A. Much to my surprise, people can learn to do this in under an hour.

The New York Times - Health

The emphasis in Indian dance is about story telling and expressions contribute to that.

BBC

Perceptions of invalidation (e.g., certain telling facial expressions, the length and nature of others' eye contact, nonverbal body language, misgendering), however small, build a composite picture of how society tends to view and react to you.

Huffington Post

Now you tell me" expression.

Independent

When told, his expression did not change and his first response was to ask where he could find the ketchup.

The New York Times - Sports

(Though, truth be told, our expression of shock was equally calculated to gratify her sense of youthful transgression).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing non-verbal communication, consider using "telling expression" to add nuance, emphasizing the unspoken message conveyed.

Common error

Avoid assuming every expression is a "telling expression". Sometimes, an expression is simply a reaction without deeper meaning. Over-analyzing can lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "telling expression" functions as a descriptive term, characterizing an expression as revealing or significant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to highlight the communicative power of a face, gesture or words. The expression effectively "tells" something beyond its literal form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Unknown/unmatched sources

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "telling expression" is a phrase used to describe an expression that reveals significant information, emotions, or intentions beyond its surface appearance. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it is crucial to avoid over-analyzing every expression and assuming hidden meanings where none exist. Considering related phrases like "revealing expression" or "significant expression" can add nuance to your writing. This phrase helps writers emphasize the subtle yet potent ways humans communicate non-verbally.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revealing expression

Focuses on the act of uncovering something previously unknown or hidden.

significant expression

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of the expression.

expressive indication

Highlights the ability of the expression to indicate a particular state or feeling.

eloquent sign

Suggests the expression is articulate and persuasive.

meaningful gesture

Shifts the focus to non-verbal communication, emphasizing its significance.

indicative display

Draws attention to the expression as a demonstration or presentation of something.

suggestive look

Specifically refers to a visual expression that implies more than it states.

demonstrative manifestation

Implies a clear and obvious showing of an emotion or idea.

disclosing remark

Highlights the revealing nature of a statement.

insightful communication

Focuses on the depth and understanding conveyed by the expression.

FAQs

How can I use "telling expression" in a sentence?

You can use "telling expression" to describe a face, words, or any other outward communication that reveals inner thoughts or feelings. For example: "His silence was a "telling expression" of his disapproval".

What does "telling expression" mean?

A "telling expression" is one that reveals more than is outwardly stated, providing insight into a person's true feelings or intentions. It suggests that the expression is informative or revealing in some way.

What's the difference between "telling expression" and "revealing expression"?

"Telling expression" and "revealing expression" are quite similar. "Telling" suggests that the expression effectively conveys information, while "revealing" emphasizes the uncovering of something previously hidden. They can often be used interchangeably.

Are there synonyms for "telling expression" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "significant expression", "expressive indication", or "indicative display" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.