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

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

From Literature

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

He rose through the ranks quickly, thanks in part to his personality; he can be firm and direct one moment, and crack a joke at his own expense the next.

From Los Angeles Times

When people of power are too scared to even crack a joke, what does that mean for the average person?

From Los Angeles Times

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