keep a straight face

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase keep a straight face, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression keep a straight face used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "keep a straight face"

Meaning

The idiom 'keep a straight face' means to express no emotion, even when something funny or amusing has been said or done. It is used to describe someone who is able to remain expressionless and not react in any way.

Etymology

The phrase 'keep a straight face' is believed to date back to the early 16th century, when it first appeared in print. The phrase was used to describe someone who was able to maintain a serious expression in spite of the amusing things that were being said or done. Since then, the phrase has evolved to encompass all types of expressions or reactions, from the serious and the funny, to the sad and the silly.

Usage

The phrase 'keep a straight face' is often used when someone is trying to stay composed in a particular situation. For example, if someone is trying to act serious in the workplace, they might use the phrase to describe their state of composure. It can also be used to describe someone who is able to maintain composure in the face of a joke, or in the face of an embarrassing moment.

Example Sentences

• No matter what ridiculous things his friends said, he was able to keep a straight face.
• The boss was so serious and stern, no one dared laugh or even crack a smile, lest they had to keep a straight face.
• I tried to keep a straight face, but the joke was so funny I couldn't help but laugh.

The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms

Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.