Crack a smile Meaning in English
expression
ˈkɹæk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈsmaɪɫ
KRAK-uh-SMYLE
kɹˈæk/ /æɪ/ /smˈaɪl
KRAK-uh-SMYLE
Definition
To smile a little or briefly, especially after not smiling for a while or when someone usually looks serious.
Usage & Nuances
This phrase is informal and often used when someone who rarely smiles finally does. Commonly appears in 'He finally cracked a smile.' It expresses effort or reluctance rather than an open, friendly grin. Do not use for big or constant smiles.
Spanish: esbozar una sonrisaPortuguese (BR): dar um sorriso - esboçar um sorrisoPortuguese (PT): dar um sorriso - esboçar um sorrisoChinese (Simplified): 露出微笑Chinese (Traditional): 露出微笑Hindi: मुस्कराना (हल्का सा)Arabic: يرتسم ابتسامة - يبتسم قليلاًBengali: হালকা হাসা - মুখে সামান্য হাসি দেখা দেওয়াRussian: едва улыбнуться - еле-еле улыбнутьсяJapanese: かすかに微笑む - わずかに笑顔を見せるVietnamese: mỉm cười nhẹ - thoáng mỉm cườiKorean: 씁쓸하게 웃다 - 겨우 미소를 짓다Turkish: hafifçe gülümsemekUrdu: ہلکی سی مسکراہٹ لاناIndonesian: tersenyum sedikit - tersenyum tipis
Example Sentences
He didn't crack a smile during the whole meeting.
basic
I told a funny joke, but she barely cracked a smile.
basic
Even after the good news, he didn't crack a smile.
basic
When the camera turned his way, he finally cracked a smile.
natural
You try so hard to make him laugh, but he just won't crack a smile.
natural
Even the cutest puppy video only made him crack a smile for a second.
natural