crack a joke

Idioms  

1. Make a joke, say something humorous, as in You can count on Grandpa to crack a joke on every occasion. This expression uses the verb to crack in the now obsolete sense of “briskly pronounce” or “boast.” [Early 1700s]

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Example Sentences

As we talked, surrounded by tough-looking men in leather jackets, boots and jeans, I attempted to crack a joke that fell flat.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

So imagine, if you can, enduring everything she has and being able to crack a joke that "Studying abroad will change your life."

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2025

“Yes, he was a smart ass and would never miss an opportunity to crack a joke at someone else’s expense, but he would happily give you the shirt off his back,” Roy wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2023

He thought he looked sharp until an older man stopped to crack a joke.

From New York Times • Sep. 6, 2023

Why can Denny crack a joke and it sounds fine, and then I open my mouth and it sounds mean?

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila