What is the origin of the idiom "make a crack" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "make a crack" is not specifically traceable to a particular source. The word "crack" has long been associated with the act of making jokes or clever remarks. The usage of "crack" in this sense can be traced back to the late 16th or early 17th century, where it originally referred to the sound of a sharp blow or a sudden noise.