expression, i-adjective
can't laugh (at a situation that is funny but serious); forced to hold back laughter
Used when a situation is objectively funny but circumstances make it inappropriate or impossible to laugh openly. Often implies tension, awkwardness, or seriousness.
上司の前で失敗して、笑うに笑えなかった。
I messed up in front of my boss and couldn't laugh even though it was funny.
彼の真剣
Seeing his serious face, even a joke becomes something you can't laugh at.