"To pull a face" is an idiomatic expression.

“愁眉苦脸”是一个习惯表达法。

youdao

An idiomatic expression in one language could sound completely stupid when translated word for word into another.

在一种语言中的成语性词语，逐字逐句翻译成另一种语言的时候听起来会彻底地愚不可及。

youdao

Do not use obscenities slang or too many idiomatic expression when using an interpreter.

在使用翻译的时候，不要使用不雅的词语、俚语，或使用太多的俗语。

youdao

The former he associated with professional and court paintings, the latter with literati or amateur scholar-artists who looked to the idiomatic brushstrokes of past masters and prized painting as an expression of one's inner self and life force.

WSJ: Paths Easy and Daunting | Ming Masterpieces | Artful Recluse | Lacma | Asia Society | By Lee Lawrence