to prevent oneself from laughing or showing strong emotion · to maintain a serious or neutral expression
Imagine someone tells an absolutely hilarious joke, but you're in a super serious meeting or a formal event and can't burst out laughing. 😱 That's when you try to 'keep a straight face'!
💡 **Pro Tip!** This phrase is often used when you're trying to hide amusement, but it can also apply to other strong emotions you don't want to show, like surprise or anger. It's all about maintaining a neutral or serious expression despite what you're feeling inside. 😉
Your friend tells you the funniest story, but you are at a formal dinner and don't want to cause a scene. Which English expression describes what you are trying to do? A. let loose B. keep a straight face C. shrug it off