1
general::
Grimace, distort the facial features, as in The teacher told Joan to stop making faces at Mary. This expression was first recorded in 1570.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): make a face (at someone) [and] make faces (at someone)
1. to show a funny or distorted expression to someone in ridicule. • Mother, Billy made a face at me! • The teacher sent Jane to the principal for making a face in class. 2. to attempt to communicate to someone through facial gestures, usually an attempt to say "no" or "stop." • I started to tell John where I was last night, but Bill made a face so I didn’t. • John made a face at me as I was testifying, so I avoided telling everything.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs