Meaning of straight-face test | Babel Free

Definitions

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

idiomatic

Examples

“As such, her [Nancy Pelosi's] effort to distance herself from the CIA's conceit on torture should not be surprising or cause for outrage. To presume the benefit of the doubt⟳ with the CIA after countless destroyed interrogation tapes doesn't even pass⟳ the straight face⟳ test⟳.”

“A system of regulation might easily include⟳ requiring you to pay⟳ taxes if you choose⟳ to burden commerce; willful refusal to maintain⟳ adequate health coverage for yourself and your family is such a burden. To claim⟳ otherwise doesn't pass⟳ the straight-face test⟳.”

“"Some of the pay-fors," said Mr. [John] Boehner in a news conference, referring to offsets to pay⟳ for a bill, "I don't think⟳ pass⟳ the straight-face test⟳, and we will deal⟳ with that when we get⟳ to conference." He declined to offer⟳ specifics.”

“The good news for fans of legal combat is that the Senate trial promises to be entertaining. The bad news is that the Trump team's constitutional arguments can barely pass⟳ a straight-face test⟳.”

CEFR level