Keep a Straight Face — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

To manage not to laugh or show emotion, especially when something is funny or surprising.

When you keep a straight face, you hide what you are really feeling and appear serious.

It is often used when someone is trying not to laugh in an awkward or humorous situation.

Use it when…

When trying not to laugh during a serious meeting or conversation
When delivering a joke or prank while pretending to be completely serious
When someone struggles to hide their amusement or surprise in a formal setting

Don’t confuse with...

"Bite Your Lip"

—

Stopping yourself from saying something you want to say

"Poker Face"

—

Showing no emotion at all to conceal your feelings or intentions

"Keep a Straight Face"

—

Managing not to laugh or show emotion when you want to

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Keep a Straight Face" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Office Conversations

A colleague says she could barely keep a straight face during the presentation when the slide had a typo in the title.

Relationships & Social Life

Family

A dad tries to keep a straight face while his daughter explains a very serious imaginary story.

Media & Everyday Life

TV Shows / Movies

A comedian says in an interview that the hardest part of improv is keeping a straight face when your partner says something hilarious.

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Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Keep a Straight Face" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Talking to Colleague

Colleague

Did you see the boss's face when the coffee machine exploded during the board meeting?

You

I could barely keep a straight face — it was the funniest thing I've seen all year.

Relationships

Talking to Friend

You

I told him the surprise party was already cancelled — just to see his reaction.

Friend

How did you keep a straight face? I would have burst out laughing.

Everyday Conversations

Storytelling

Friend

How did the prank go — did they believe you?

You

Yes — I somehow kept a straight face the whole time.

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Last updated:

April 20, 2026

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