His excuse fails the straight-face test.
straight-face test
idiomA tongue-in-cheek test of the merits of an argument which asks whether it can be made with a straight face (without laughing).
The politician tried to explain the policy, but it clearly failed the straight-face test.
The proposal was so absurd that it could not possibly pass the straight-face test when presented to the board of directors.
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nose test
An informal method for determining whether something is authentic, credible, or ethical, by using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
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put to the test
To test (something or someone); to evaluate, scrutinize or explore by testing or experimentation.
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red face test
A hypothetical test of a person's embarrassment that is either passed or failed. Saying one passes the red face test means one would not blush and thus would not be embarrassed by disclosing something to others or doing something, and saying one fails the red face test means a situation would cause them discernible embarrassment.
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sniff test
An informal check of an idea or proposal, using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
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stand the test of time
To remain useful or valued over a long period of time; to last a long time.
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test bed
Alternative form of testbed.
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test someone's patience
To begin to frustrate someone.
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test the waters
To explore or probe, as before making a commitment.