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

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

But Mark Morris, saucy and never shy to crack a joke, has done just that with his world premiere set to Bach’s Partita No. 3 in A minor.

From New York Times • Aug. 9, 2023

Those who work with "Santi" describe him as an extrovert and fan of motorbikes and hunting, who likes to crack a joke but is serious about his work.

From Reuters • Jul. 17, 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

I could put on an interesting outfit, crack a joke, and talk about sodium content in kids’ meals without being totally boring.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama