devilish face; diabolical face
Describes a stern, frightening, or grim facial expression, likened to the fierce face of Enma, the judge of the dead. Often used for someone who looks angry or intimidating.
When he gets angry, he gets a devilish face.
That teacher always has a stern face, and the students are scared of him.
Compound of 閻魔 (Enma, the king of hell in Buddhist mythology) and 顔 (face). The word likens a stern or frightening facial expression to that of Enma, who judges the dead with a fierce countenance.