"With a straight face" is an idiomatic expression that refers to maintaining a serious or neutral facial expression while saying or doing something that is genuinely surprising, outrageous, ironic, or absurd. When someone says or does something unexpected, illogical, or contrary to what is expected, and yet maintains a composed or unemotional countenance, they are said to do it "with a straight face."
This phrase emphasizes the stark contrast between the incongruity of the action or statement and the absence of any accompanying smile, laughter, or other facial expressions indicative of amusement or disbelief. It suggests that the person is able to maintain composure and control over their facial muscles, effectively masking their true sentiments or thoughts.
The expression "with a straight face" is often used to convey a sense of incredulity or astonishment at people's ability to remain serious or composed despite the absurdity of their words or actions. It is commonly employed in various contexts, such as humor, politics, or storytelling, to highlight the irony or hypocrisy behind a particular situation or statement.
Overall, "with a straight face" captures the notion of someone's ability to present a calm, serious demeanor while saying or doing something unexpected, extraordinary, or highly dubious.
