set/put (something) straight

1 of 2

phrase (1)

: to put everything in its proper place in (something) : to organize (something)
After supper, the kids helped set/put the kitchen straight.

set (someone) right/straight

2 of 2

phrase (2)

: to tell (someone) who is wrong about something what the real facts are
She set him straight about what happened.

Examples of set/put (something) straight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Phrase
Never put straight bleach on white clothes, even those that are bleach-safe, to keep your garments from any possible damage. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026 But Tilly is not going to take your job and that’s a really important thing to set straight. Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
Phrase
One such example of accessible ice climbing in the region is Tangle Falls, which is set right off the parkway, 85 miles north of Lake Louise. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026 Just as much attention has been lavished on the dining spaces below, including Infiniti, a sushi bar and modern seafood restaurant, and Off Shore, a tacos and cocktails spot with tables set right in the sand. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for set/put (something) straight

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Set/put (something) straight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%2Fput%20%28something%29%20straight. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster