"ghastly smile" is a noun phrase.
/ˈɡæstli smaɪl/
The term "ghastly smile" refers to a smile that is horrifying, gruesome, or unsettling in nature. It often conveys feelings of fear, horror, or discomfort, sometimes used in contexts related to the grotesque or macabre. The phrase is used more often in written contexts, such as literature, poetry, or descriptions, rather than in everyday oral speech.
His ghastly smile sent shivers down my spine as he approached in the dark.
(Su sonrisa espantosa me hizo estremecer mientras se acercaba en la oscuridad.)
The character in the horror novel was known for her ghastly smile, which always hinted at her sinister intentions.
(El personaje en la novela de terror era conocido por su sonrisa espantosa, que siempre insinuaba sus intenciones siniestras.)
During the film, the villain's ghastly smile made the audience gasp in terror.
(Durante la película, la sonrisa espantosa del villano hizo que la audiencia jadease de terror.)
The phrase "ghastly smile" is not typically used in idiomatic expressions, but it can evoke strong imagery and emotions in various contexts. Here are some expressions that might relate to the connotation of horror or fear:
"Grin like a Cheshire cat":
He had a grin like a Cheshire cat after hearing the news, though it was more of a ghastly smile than one of joy.
(Tenía una sonrisa como la de un gato de Cheshire después de escuchar las noticias, aunque era más una sonrisa espantosa que de alegría.)
"Smile through the pain":
She put on a ghastly smile to hide her true feelings, trying to smile through the pain of her loss.
(Ella mostró una sonrisa espantosa para ocultar sus verdaderos sentimientos, tratando de sonreír a pesar del dolor de su pérdida.)
"Smile in the face of danger":
The brave soldier had a ghastly smile as he faced the enemy, unyielding in the face of danger.
(El valiente soldado tenía una sonrisa espantosa mientras se enfrentaba al enemigo, inquebrantable ante el peligro.)
The word "ghastly" originates from the Old English word "gast," which means "ghost" or "spirit." It is used to describe something that is horrifying or causing terror. The term "smile" comes from the Old English "smylian," which refers to making a facial expression of pleasure. Together, "ghastly smile" combines these ideas to convey a smile that is frightening rather than joyful.
Synonyms: - Horrifying smile - Gruesome smile - Unsettling grin
Antonyms: - Pleasant smile - Cheerful grin - Friendly smile