expression, ichidan verb
be contrary; be perverse; get sulky
Idiomatic expression describing someone who deliberately takes an opposing or uncooperative attitude, often out of stubbornness or bad mood. Literally 'to bend one's hair whorl'.
彼は注意されると、すぐつむじを曲げる。
He immediately gets contrary when he's told off.
つむじを曲げて、誰の言うことも聞かない。
He's being perverse and won't listen to anyone.