straight and narrow
12
6.4
- idiom
- Informal
:
buen camino
- She decided to live her life on the straight and narrow to set a good example for her children.
- straight and narrow path
I was decent enough level and I think that's kind of kept me on the straight and narrow.
- I was decent enough level and I think that's kind of kept me on the straight and narrow.
- I've shot and stabbed people and it's and that boxing gym has kept them on the straight and narrow.
- And you need to structure your life in such a way that you stay on the straight and narrow.
- So I'm one thing I would say is to, I'm opening my mind more to different creative possibilities than just the, the straight and narrow type.
- Julian knew what he wanted to be, so they're really just keeping him on the straight and narrow was really the hardest thing.
- Those folks may want someone who really seems to follow the straight and narrow and might feel and want someone who feels loyal.
Examples
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Many's the time he was here, encouraging the kids, telling them to mind the straight and narrow.
Fiction book (1992) -
She keeps me on the straight and narrow, you know.
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- Keeping everyone on the straight and narrow.
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We want to go on the straight and narrow.
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I wish you would find somebody to keep you on the straight and narrow.
Fiction book (1995) -
In this criminal case, this young man needs help getting back on the 'straight and narrow.'
Blog text (28) -
Well, you learned your lesson, so try and stay on the straight and narrow this time.
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Usually I'm on the straight and narrow.
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Stay on the straight and narrow if you don't want it to happen to you.
Blog text (13) -
State officials say shorter paroles are appropriate when ex-convicts demonstrate they can stay on the straight and narrow.
Blog text (27)
Synonyms
3
3.7
Living in a morally careful way and avoiding drinking, smoking, and drugs
1
6.9
Being honest and doing what is right
Antonyms
How Moral
259
3.8
1
5.6
- Informal
12
6.4
46
3.2
117
3.7
3
3.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
The literal meanings of 'straight' (direct, honest) and 'narrow' (restricted, limited) give a partial clue by evoking a metaphorical 'path' of correct behavior, so a learner may sense it refers to a specific kind of conduct. However, the moral/disciplinary sense ('honest, morally correct way of living') is a conventionalized, metaphorical extension that is not fully predictable from the parts alone, so prior exposure or cultural knowledge is usually needed.
Etymology
Straight and narrow comes from the image of a straight, narrow path with no side roads or tempting turns. One popular story says people used that picture to show that if you stay on the path you will keep 'living honestly and following the rules'.