Learn English – Confused about “I can’t in good countenance continue…”

phrases

Taken from the article's title in Independent:

Fox news cuts away from McEnany press conference: ‘I can’t in good
countenance continue showing this’

As I understand it, countenance means facial expression. So in this case, the title's meaning would be, "I can't with a straight-face continue…" or "I can't continue composed…"

Do I have that right, or would the phrase "in good conscience" be more suited here?

Best Answer

It seems likely that Cavuto blended the idioms "in good conscience" and "cannot countenance".

You couldn't, in good conscience, ask her to pay the whole bill! (without feeling guilty) -Cambridge

Jake would not countenance Janis's marrying while still a student. (do not agree with it and will not allow it to happen.) -Collin's

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