crack a joke

Idioms

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"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

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’d tell a related story, crack a joke and complain about his golf game.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2024

I narrow my eyes as I watch Ren crack a joke with Asher.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023