straight face

American  

noun

1. a serious or impassive facial expression that conceals one's true feelings about something, especially a desire to laugh.

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straight face British  

noun

1. a serious facial expression, esp one that conceals the impulse to laugh

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straight face Idioms  

1. see keep a straight face.

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Other Word Forms

• straight-faced adjective
• straight-facedly adverb

Etymology

Origin of straight face

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

The film boldly contemplates the atmosphere of Brontë’s novel with both a straight face and a sense of humor.

From Salon

"I played Mafia growing up... I played that for 15 years. I became very good at any game where I had to play a straight face."

From BBC

If such denials can be made with a straight face, they may carry the day when a prosecution is at stake.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is a wonder they can make such statements with a straight face.

From BBC

“This is what happens when you have a democratic process,” Dutra told the crowd, with a straight face.

From Los Angeles Times