Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

face-the-wall

idiom

/feɪs ðə wɔːl/

Definition

To turn away from a group and direct one’s face towards the wall, often as a punishment or for reflection.

Examples

After breaking the classroom rules, the teacher made him face-the-wall for ten minutes.
As a child, I would often get in trouble and end up facing the wall during recess.
The coach told the players who were late to face-the-wall as a lesson in discipline.

Meaning

The phrase ‘face-the-wall’ is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is made to stand facing a wall, typically to discourage interaction or to enforce discipline.