twirl one's moustache

twirl one's moustache (third-person singular simple present twirls one's moustache, present participle twirling one's moustache, simple past and past participle twirled one's moustache)

1. To twist the ends of one's moustache hairs around the fingers, especially by way of fidgeting.
2. To express stereotypical villainy in an obvious or comically exaggerated fashion.
   • 1991, Jeri Taylor, “The Drumhead”, in Star Trek: The Next Generation, season 4, episode 21:

     Picard: Mr. Worf, villains who twirl their moustaches are easy to spot. Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well-camouflaged.

• moustache-twirling