# straight-face test

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/straight-face-test
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A tongue-in-cheek test of the merits of an argument which asks whether it can be made with a straight face (without laughing).

## Examples

- His excuse fails the straight-face test.
- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.