the straight and narrow
noun
informal
: the way of living that is honest and morally proper
His wife keeps him on the straight and narrow.
Examples of the straight and narrow in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In order to get ahead, Smith will have to keep on the straight and narrow—which is easier said than done.
—
Shannon Carlin, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024
Elwood is a product of the belief that Jim Crow demanded Black Americans, in order to survive, live life on the straight and narrow.
—K. Austin Collins, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2024
During her 11 seasons on Duck Dynasty, Kay kept the Robertson men on the straight and narrow.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Martin Odegaard’s return from injury has put Arsenal back on the straight and narrow.
—Graham Ruthven, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Stick to the straight and narrow, and don’t look somewhere you’ve been asked not to.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
From Matthew Lewis' perspective, there is one thing the young Harry Potter cast can credit for keeping them all on the straight and narrow.
—Dory Jackson, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Those sensors are host to a comprehensive suite of active safety technology to keep you on the straight and narrow.
—Alex Goy, WIRED, 14 Sep. 2023
Illinoisans can’t even count on law enforcement to stay on the straight and narrow.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2024
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Shannon Carlin, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024
Elwood is a product of the belief that Jim Crow demanded Black Americans, in order to survive, live life on the straight and narrow.
—K. Austin Collins, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2024
During her 11 seasons on Duck Dynasty, Kay kept the Robertson men on the straight and narrow.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Martin Odegaard’s return from injury has put Arsenal back on the straight and narrow.
—Graham Ruthven, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Stick to the straight and narrow, and don’t look somewhere you’ve been asked not to.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
From Matthew Lewis' perspective, there is one thing the young Harry Potter cast can credit for keeping them all on the straight and narrow.
—Dory Jackson, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Those sensors are host to a comprehensive suite of active safety technology to keep you on the straight and narrow.
—Alex Goy, WIRED, 14 Sep. 2023
Illinoisans can’t even count on law enforcement to stay on the straight and narrow.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2024
Dictionary Entries Near the straight and narrow
Cite this Entry
“The straight and narrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20straight%20and%20narrow. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
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