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]

---

Example Sentences

"I also saw his humour -- he was a very funny man. He would suddenly crack a joke at the most unexpected moment".

From Barron's • May 10, 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

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

From New York Times • Sep. 6, 2023

AJ Robinson, 18, a former teammate, said he distinctly remembers meeting Quincy, whom he described as a dedicated player ready to push his teammates — and still crack a joke.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2023

Then she pointed at Krystal, who was already fixing her mouth to crack a joke.

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds