Mostly, we watched with a strained smile, willing it to come up with something properly shocking and unfairly cruel.
Times, Sunday Times
He looked concerned as he emerged from the hospital at 8.10pm, giving a strained smile to waiting wellwishers.
The Sun
He gave me a strained smile.
ST
So the old person - who still has reserve and dignity - recoils or gives a strained smile.
Times, Sunday Times
He offers a strained smile.
Times, Sunday Times