With a Straight Face – Meaning and Examples
People sometimes tell jokes seriously or make outrageous claims without smiling. In English, we say they say these things with a straight face. This descriptive idiom captures the ability to maintain a serious expression in amusing or unbelievable situations.
What Does “With a Straight Face” Mean?
“With a straight face” means with a serious expression, without smiling or laughing, especially when saying something funny, surprising, or unbelievable. Think of it like a comedian telling an absurd joke while looking completely serious—the contrast makes it funnier. It describes maintaining composure when the situation might normally cause laughter or surprise.
When to Use It
Use this idiom when describing someone telling jokes without showing amusement. Use it when people make unbelievable claims while looking serious. Use it in situations where someone maintains composure despite humor or absurdity. It is a neutral phrase that can describe both humorous and deceptive situations.
Example Sentences
- He told the most ridiculous story with a straight face.
- I don’t know how she announced the crazy new policy with a straight face.
- Can you believe he said that with a straight face?
- The teacher delivered the funny example with a straight face, making students laugh even more.
Mini Dialogue
Maria: “Did you hear what John said in the meeting?”
David: “Yes! He claimed he’d single-handedly increase sales by 500%—and he said it with a straight face!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Remember, this idiom is about facial expression during speech. Don’t use it to describe general seriousness without speaking.
❌ Don’t say: “She listened to the sad news with a straight face.” (Use “with a serious expression” instead).
✅ Do say: “He claimed he’d seen a UFO, and he said it with a straight face.”
Practice Tip
Try telling a friend a mildly outrageous or funny statement while keeping your face completely serious. Afterwards, ask “Could you tell I was saying that with a straight face?” This physical practice helps you understand the idiom through experience.
Final Note
You now know how to use “with a straight face” to describe maintaining a serious expression while saying something funny, surprising, or unbelievable. This expressive phrase will help you talk about composure, deadpan humor, and situations where people say remarkable things without showing emotion. Use it to describe those amusing moments when seriousness and absurdity collide!