What does “Straight face” mean?
"Straight face" means maintaining a serious or expressionless facial expression.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He told the joke with a straight face and nobody knew if he was serious or not.
Example
Even though the situation was hilarious, she managed to keep a straight face.
Example
The detective interrogated the suspect with a straight face to not give away any clues
Is “Straight face” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Straight face” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Straight face” effectively in context?
You can use "Straight face" to describe someone who maintains a serious or expressionless facial expression, especially in situations where others might find it difficult to do so. For example, if someone tells a joke that is meant to be funny but you want to keep a serious demeanor, you can say, 'He told the joke with a straight face and nobody knew if he was serious or not.'
- 1Humor
Even though the situation was hilarious, she managed to keep a straight face.
- 2Interrogation
The detective interrogated the suspect with a straight face to not give away any clues.
- 3Poker Face
During the poker game, he maintained a straight face to bluff his opponents.
Similar phrases to “Straight face”:
Stone-faced
Having a completely expressionless or emotionless face
Example
He listened to the news with a stone-faced expression, giving nothing away.
A facial expression that shows no emotion or reaction
Example
She stared at him with a blank expression, not knowing how to respond.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Straight face” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Straight face" is unknown.
Is “Straight face” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Straight face" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who remains serious or expressionless in situations where others might find it difficult to do so.
What tone does “Straight face” have?
"Straight face" conveys a tone of seriousness and control. It is often used to describe someone who is able to maintain composure and hide their true emotions.
Can “Straight face” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Straight face" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a facial expression and can be used in various contexts. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or in more formal situations such as presentations or professional discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He managed to keep a straight face during the entire meeting.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to put on a "straight face"!' to imply the need to remain serious.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- serious face
- expressionless face
- neutral expression
- composed face
- unemotional face
Antonyms
- smiling face
- laughing face
- expressive face
- animated face
- emotional face
