A straight face
idiom
Keeping a face that shows no emotion, seriousness or not laughing or smiling.
Despite the funny situation, he managed to keep a straight face.
Often appears as...
- keep a straight face
- maintain a straight face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
To hide or suppress one's emotions, especially amusement or laughter.
He told the joke with such a straight face, I thought he was serious.
Often appears as...
- tell something with a straight face
- hold a straight face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
Unbelievable, astonishing or shocking statement or action done seriously.
She said she doesn't like pizza with a straight face. Everyone else couldn't believe it.
Often appears as...
- say something with a straight face
- do something with a straight face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
Keeping a face that shows no emotion, seriousness or not laughing or smiling.
Despite the funny situation, he managed to keep a straight face.
Often appears as...
- keep a straight face
- maintain a straight face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
To hide or suppress one's emotions, especially amusement or laughter.
He told the joke with such a straight face, I thought he was serious.
Often appears as...
- tell something with a straight face
- hold a straight face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
Unbelievable, astonishing or shocking statement or action done seriously.
She said she doesn't like pizza with a straight face. Everyone else couldn't believe it.
Often appears as...
- say something with a straight face
- do something with a straight face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Emotion Concealment
Use 'a straight face' when you want to describe someone hiding their feelings, especially during humorous or silly moments.
Even while everyone else laughed, she kept a straight face.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Amused
'A straight face' emphasizes neutrality amidst something typically funny or ridiculous.
She managed to maintain a straight face during his silly dance.
Pro Tip 1/2Emotion Concealment
Use 'a straight face' when you want to describe someone hiding their feelings, especially during humorous or silly moments.
Even while everyone else laughed, she kept a straight face.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Amused
'A straight face' emphasizes neutrality amidst something typically funny or ridiculous.
She managed to maintain a straight face during his silly dance.
Pro Tip 1/2Emotion Concealment
Use 'a straight face' when you want to describe someone hiding their feelings, especially during humorous or silly moments.
Even while everyone else laughed, she kept a straight face.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Amused
'A straight face' emphasizes neutrality amidst something typically funny or ridiculous.
She managed to maintain a straight face during his silly dance.
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