a straight face - Definition & Meaning

one's face when it is devoid of any signs of amusement, interest, or even sadnessone's face when it is devoid of any signs of amusement, interest, or even sadness

The idiom "a straight face" can be traced back to the early 19th century. It derives from the literal meaning of "straight," which refers to something that is not crooked or bent, suggesting a neutral and unexpressive appearance. The expression gained popularity in English-speaking cultures as a way to describe maintaining a neutral facial expression, especially in situations where one might normally show a smile or frown. It is used when individuals need to keep their composure or hide their true feelings, often in contexts involving humor, irony, or situations that might cause amusement.The idiom "a straight face" can be traced back to the early 19th century. It derives from the literal meaning of "straight," which refers to something that is not crooked or bent, suggesting a neutral and unexpressive appearance. The expression gained popularity in English-speaking cultures as a way to describe maintaining a neutral facial expression, especially in situations where one might normally show a smile or frown. It is used when individuals need to keep their composure or hide their true feelings, often in contexts involving humor, irony, or situations that might cause amusement.

Examples