raise a laugh/smile

raise a laugh

To cause someone or an audience to laugh. Don't try too hard to raise a laugh during your speech. You're here to inform people, not entertain them.
See also: laugh, raise

raise a smile

To cause someone or a group to smile. I tried making a joke, but everyone was so disheartened by the news that it didn't even raise a smile.
See also: raise, smile
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

raise a ˈlaugh/ˈsmile

do or say something that makes other people laugh/smile: If the speeches are not going well, ask Paula to speak; she can always raise a laugh. His jokes didn’t even raise a smile, which was embarrassing.
See also: laugh, raise, smile
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • raise a laugh
  • get a laugh
  • split a gut
  • split a/(one's) gut
  • chortle
  • for a laugh
  • crack someone up
  • crack up
  • cracked up
  • laugh until you cry