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

See Examples For:

crack a joke

"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

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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2025

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

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

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds