Question

what is the correct meaning of the phrase cracked a smile? the man cracked a smile at the end of the play. made a clever joke laughed out loud spoke in a pleasant way grinned when trying not to

Explanation:

The phrase "cracked a smile" means to suddenly or reluctantly smile, often while trying to hold it back. Analyzing the options:

1. "made a clever joke" is unrelated to smiling.
2. "laughed out loud" refers to audible laughing, not a smile.
3. "spoke in a pleasant way" relates to speech, not facial expression.
4. "grinned when trying not to" matches the meaning of a reluctant or restrained smile.

Answer:

grinned when trying not to