Poker-face

A poker-face is a facial expression that intentionally reveals no emotion or reaction, allowing the individual to conceal their true feelings or intentions. It's a strategic technique, often employed in situations requiring deception, competition, or maintaining composure under pressure. The primary aim of a poker-face is to prevent others from reading one's thoughts or anticipating one's actions. This controlled expression, characterized by a neutral countenance, is crucial in games like poker, where reading opponents is paramount, and in high-stakes negotiations or interrogations, where keeping vulnerabilities hidden is vital for gaining an advantage. A successful poker-face relies on suppressing subtle cues, such as micro-expressions, that might betray internal states.

Poker-face meaning with examples

• During the high-stakes poker game, John’s poker-face remained unreadable as he considered his hand. Even when another player made a daring bluff, he maintained his impassive expression. The other players, unable to discern his feelings, struggled to gauge his chances and were left guessing about the cards he held. Eventually, his calculated calm gave him the advantage, leading him to win the pot.
• The negotiator's poker-face didn't waver despite the opposing side's tough demands. Each concession was met with the same blank stare. His lack of reaction to their arguments and threats created a tense atmosphere, forcing the other party to be less forthcoming, and the constant mystery led to a more favorable outcome in his direction during the ongoing negotiations.
• The detective's poker-face remained constant as he questioned the suspect, revealing nothing about what he already knew or suspected. The suspect’s nervous fidgeting contrasted sharply with the detective's calm exterior. The lack of emotional response from the detective made the suspect more vulnerable, and the truth about the situation eventually came out when the suspect felt pressured.
• In a sales pitch, Sarah wore her best poker-face when the client criticized her products. She didn't react with either defensiveness or flattery. Instead, she simply listened carefully, absorbing the feedback while maintaining a composed expression. This allowed her to take the client’s criticisms seriously and tailor her pitch based on their needs.
• During the audition, the actress presented a poker-face while waiting for the director's feedback. Even when receiving a range of remarks, both constructive and blunt, she let her composure remain strong. The director, observing her controlled expression, seemed impressed, and her ability to remain in the neutral state throughout the ordeal helped her greatly.