game face
Steely competitive expression
Game face is the serious, determined expression someone adopts before a challenge or competition.
Athletes put on their game face before a match; professionals do the same before high-stakes meetings.
The term suggests emotional control and focused intensity: Time to put on your game face—the clients are here.
Graceful, unshakable calm
- stoicismUncomplaining acceptance of difficulty
- coolnessCalm self-possession
- unflappabilityCalm despite turmoil
- calmnessPeaceful mental state
equanimity · self-control · steadiness · collectedness · sangfroid · imperturbability · restraint · self-possession
Firmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- willpowerMental strength resisting impulse
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
resilience · perseverance · dedication · drive · commitment · discipline · focus · mental toughness
Strength or force level
- opponentOne who contends against
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
- athleteSports competitor
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
tournament · playoffs · championship · victory · defeat · preparation · strategy · training
Fierce stare or brightness
- menaceSource of potential harm
- fierceViolently intense or aggressive
- sternStrict or ship's aft
- dominanceSuperior influence over others
aggression · imposing · powerful · warrior · confrontation · scowl · mean mug · death stare
Calculated false front
- tellConvey information verbally
- stone-facedRevealing no expression
- unreadableCannot be deciphered
- high-stakesInvolving significant consequences
all-in · showdown · table · chips · bet · raise · call · fold
poise
Graceful, unshakable calm
- stoicismUncomplaining acceptance of difficulty
- coolnessCalm self-possession
- unflappabilityCalm despite turmoil
calmness · equanimity · self-control · steadiness · collectedness · sangfroid · imperturbability · restraint · self-possession · steely
resolve
Firmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- willpowerMental strength resisting impulse
fortitude · resilience · perseverance · dedication · drive · commitment · discipline · focus · mental toughness · never-say-die
intensity
Strength or force level
matchup · tournament · playoffs · championship · victory · defeat · preparation · strategy · training · coach
glare
Fierce stare or brightness
dominance · aggression · imposing · powerful · warrior · confrontation · scowl · mean mug · death stare · hard look
bluff
Calculated false front
- tellConvey information verbally
- stone-facedRevealing no expression
- unreadableCannot be deciphered
high-stakes · all-in · showdown · table · chips · bet · raise · call · fold · pot
- Sports Sayingsno pain no gain, practice makes perfect, leave it all on the field, go for gold, never give up
- competitioncompete, competitor, contender, winner, sports
- getting readyget ready, readying, be prepared, equipping, gear up
- sports slangalley-oop, buzzer beater, clutch, dunk, slam dunk
- Business Talkmeeting, agenda, deadline, goals, priorities
- driveambition, determination, eagerness, enthusiasm, fervor
game facesmile
Pleased facial expression
genuine smile · poker face · laughing face · crying · grin
game facecomplacency
Uncritical satisfaction with oneself
indifference · nonchalance · vulnerability · deer in headlights · giving up
game faceunprepared
Lacking readiness beforehand
off-guard · unfocused · distracted · nonchalance · complacency
gaming, gamer, gamely, poker face, gamification, game plan, gamify, gamesome, game day