idiom · informal
keep a straight face
UK/kiːp ə streɪt feɪs/US/kip ə streɪt feɪs/keep a STRAIGHT FACE
to avoid showing that you are amused or upset; to remain serious
Examples
“I couldn't keep a straight face when he told the ridiculous plan.”
“She tried to keep a straight face during the comedian's worst joke.”
“Even though the comment was rude, he kept a straight face and walked away.”
Band 8 sentence
“During the absurd presentation I tried to keep a straight face, but I almost burst out laughing.”
Collocations
- try to/failed to keep a straight face
Word family
Common mistakes
keep straight face→keep a straight face
keep a straight-faced→keep a straight face
Say it for a higher band
5not laugh→6stay serious→7+keep a straight face
Synonyms
maintain a serious expression
Easily confused
keep one's cool
“He kept his cool during the heated meeting.”
Related words
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In Emotions
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