THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Keep a straight face
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To avoid smiling or laughing even though you feel like doing so.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I tried to keep a straight face when the kitten walked across the video call.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I tried to ________ when the kitten walked across the video call.
Show the answer
Keep a straight face — To avoid smiling or laughing even though you feel like doing so.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Keep a straight face” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To avoid smiling or laughing even though you feel like doing so.
Compare: I tried to keep a straight face when the kitten walked across the video call.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this expression when describing trying to look serious during a funny or awkward moment. It is conversational and often appears in a light-hearted story.
More examples in context
- The actor could not keep a straight face during the rehearsal.
- She kept a straight face until the presenter finished the joke.
Usage note
Use a straight face, with a. The past form is kept a straight face. The expression concerns suppressing laughter or a smile, not simply being honest or always feeling serious.
A short conversation
A: How did you manage not to laugh?
B: I could hardly keep a straight face.
A: I had to look away for a moment.
One more practice question
Who is keeping a straight face?
A. Someone who wants to laugh but manages not to smile.
B. Someone who is laughing loudly throughout the moment.
Check your answer
A. The person successfully holds back a visible smile or laugh.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.