The straight and narrow
noun phrase
A morally correct and honest way of living.
She was a wild teenager, but now she's back on the straight and narrow
Often appears as...
- stay on the straight and narrow
- back on the straight and narrow
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
noun phrase
A morally correct and honest way of living.
She was a wild teenager, but now she's back on the straight and narrow
Often appears as...
- stay on the straight and narrow
- back on the straight and narrow
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Path
The phrase uses 'straight and narrow' as a metaphor for a direct and honest life course.
After his release from jail, he promised to stay on the straight and narrow.
Pro Tip 2/3Behavioral Change
It often implies a positive change in someone's behavior or choices.
He used to be quite the troublemaker, but he's been on the straight and narrow for years now.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
The phrase doesn't mean a person is literally walking straight, but acting in a morally correct way.
Despite peer pressure, she chose the straight and narrow.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Path
The phrase uses 'straight and narrow' as a metaphor for a direct and honest life course.
After his release from jail, he promised to stay on the straight and narrow.
Pro Tip 2/3Behavioral Change
It often implies a positive change in someone's behavior or choices.
He used to be quite the troublemaker, but he's been on the straight and narrow for years now.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
The phrase doesn't mean a person is literally walking straight, but acting in a morally correct way.
Despite peer pressure, she chose the straight and narrow.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Path
The phrase uses 'straight and narrow' as a metaphor for a direct and honest life course.
After his release from jail, he promised to stay on the straight and narrow.
Pro Tip 2/3Behavioral Change
It often implies a positive change in someone's behavior or choices.
He used to be quite the troublemaker, but he's been on the straight and narrow for years now.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
The phrase doesn't mean a person is literally walking straight, but acting in a morally correct way.
Despite peer pressure, she chose the straight and narrow.
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