澄まし顔

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 澄まし顔 is read as すましがお and means a composed or innocent-looking expression as though nothing happened.
• Basic usage: It can describe a cat looking innocent after knocking something over or a person hiding a prank behind a composed face.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Appearing as though nothing happened
  • 澄まし顔で座る means sitting with an innocent look despite having caused trouble. Example: 猫は花瓶を倒したのに澄まし顔で座っています。
• Concealing something with an expression
  • 澄まし顔をする means wearing a composed face that does not reveal the mischief behind it. Example: 弟はいたずらを隠して澄まし顔をしていました。