Definitions

straight and narrow

NOUN

right conduct

Synonyms

WEAK

honesty integrity moral integrity morality proper conduct righteousness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Rashford has taken a significant stride on that road to redemption - now can he use the Barcelona stage to finally put his career back on the straight and narrow?

From BBC • Sep. 18, 2025

Houlahan and Curtis decided to focus on oncogenes, normal genes that, when mutated, can free a cell from regulatory pathways meant to keep it on the straight and narrow.

From Science Daily • May 30, 2024

The entry point to superhero and anti-hero movies and TV shows is straight and narrow, in the most literal sense.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2024

It’s an absurd practice, but I go on anyway, pressing him as to why he never got on the straight and narrow sooner.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 23, 2023

I was trying so hard to be on the straight and narrow.

From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez