B2idiomemotionsIELTS-friendly
keep a straight face
USUK
to not laugh or smile even though something is funny
Often with 'can't', 'hard to', 'try to'. Needs the article 'a'.
In context
When the teacher's chair broke, it was impossible to keep a straight face.
He told the silly story and kept a straight face the whole time.
Common mistake
Incorrect: I couldn't keep straight face.
Correct: I couldn't keep a straight face.
More idioms about emotions
- a bitter pill to swallowan unpleasant fact or situation that is hard to accept
- a bundle of nervesvery nervous and worried
- a chip on your shouldera lasting anger because you feel you were treated unfairly in the past
- a knot in your stomacha tight, sick feeling in your body caused by worry or fear
- a lump in your throata tight feeling in your throat because you are so moved that you might cry