The idiom ‘wore a poker face’ means to maintain an expressionless or neutral facial expression, making it difficult for others to read one’s emotions or thoughts. This phrase is derived from the game of poker, where players often hide their true feelings about their hands to prevent competitors from gaining an advantage.
When someone is said to wear a poker face, it usually implies that they are trying to conceal their feelings, whether it be joy, disappointment, amusement, or any other emotion. This can be particularly useful in situations where showing emotion might give someone else an upper hand, such as negotiations, competitions, or even in social settings where one wishes to appear composed.
For example, if a person is receiving critical feedback at work but does not want to reveal their discomfort or disappointment, they might wear a poker face during the discussion to maintain a professional demeanor. Ultimately, wearing a poker face is about control and the strategic management of one’s emotional expressions.