Crossword Genius

One stirring has to confront blank expression (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

poker face

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'blank expression' is the definition.
'poker face' can be an answer for 'expression' (I have seen 'Impassive expression ' mean 'poker face' so perhaps 'expression' could also mean 'poker face'). I'm unsure of the 'blank' bit.

'one stirring has to confront' is the wordplay.
'one stirring' becomes 'poker' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'has' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'to confront' becomes 'face' ('face' can be a synonym of 'confront').
'poker'+'face'='POKER-FACE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for poker face that I've seen before include "Card player's deadpan expression" , "There's no expression for that" , "Impassive expression that hides one's true feelings" , "unreadable profile" , "Expressionless visage, useful when playing cards" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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