poker face

noun

1. an expressionless face:

   He can tell a funny story with a poker face.

2. a person who has or deliberately assumes a poker face:

   It is impossible to tell what that poker face is really thinking.

poker face

noun

1. informal.
   a face without expression, as that of a poker player attempting to conceal the value of his cards

Other Words From

• poker-faced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of poker face¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Idioms and Phrases

A visage lacking any expression that can be interpreted, as in Whenever Betty attended one of her children's performances, she managed to keep a poker face . This term alludes to the facial expression of a poker player who is expert at concealing his feelings about his hand. [c. 1880]

Example Sentences

They will then attempt to put on a poker face and head out into the results room to take their seats on the front row, the rest of us still clueless about the result.

From BBC

At a time when she is very busy as a producer, director, writer and showrunner on projects such as “Russian Doll” and “Poker Face,” there is still something satisfying for Lyonne in acting in someone else’s project — just to be, in her words, “like a Traveling Wilbury or something. I’m just out here being a session musician and the gig is to service the idea as best you can. I love to be a part of watching somebody make their thing.”

From Los Angeles Times

A good poker face has historically been as integral to appearing presidential as a firm handshake or stiff suit.

From Los Angeles Times

When Harris has tried to maintain a poker face, she’s emitted less confidence and power, and frankly, she seems uncomfortable.

From Los Angeles Times

Poker face may have helped lend legitimacy to legions of men who ran for office before her, but despite 235 years of presidential stoicism across 46 leaders, Harris does not draw her power from impassivity.

From Los Angeles Times