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.

With a large community of re-sellers sharing tips on TikTok, Rachel launched her own account in October 2025 to document her journey and keep her on the "straight and narrow".

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

His three-card monte skills are storied in the neighborhood, but he’s determined to proceed down the straight and narrow.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 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

In the days and weeks that followed Willie’s shooting, Whitiker made perhaps the most painful decision a mother could make in order to keep her family on the straight and narrow.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times