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
The Bad Guys 2 catches up with the crew of animal outlaws, led by the ever-cunning Mr. Wolf, trying to stay on the straight and narrow path.
—
Devonne Goode, Parents, 31 July 2025
And a lot of people thought, ‘Well, OK, the courts can keep us on the straight and narrow.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Hurray for the judges and prosecutors who keep it all on the straight and narrow.
—Howard Blum, Air Mail, 12 July 2025
There are a number of actions Maryland might take to keep lobbyists on the straight and narrow.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 2 July 2025
What kind of rock-solid principles keeps them on the straight and narrow that balance that's so hard for everyone alive?
—Mekishana Pierre Published, EW.com, 1 July 2025
If the twins must walk the straight and narrow line, noting that being on their best behavior on and off the mat can only help show that the family is worthy of remaining in the States, then the line their father must toe is even thinner.
—Rob Oller, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
But the industry’s key to long-term mainstream success will be hewing to the straight and narrow.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
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Devonne Goode, Parents, 31 July 2025
And a lot of people thought, ‘Well, OK, the courts can keep us on the straight and narrow.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Hurray for the judges and prosecutors who keep it all on the straight and narrow.
—Howard Blum, Air Mail, 12 July 2025
There are a number of actions Maryland might take to keep lobbyists on the straight and narrow.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 2 July 2025
What kind of rock-solid principles keeps them on the straight and narrow that balance that's so hard for everyone alive?
—Mekishana Pierre Published, EW.com, 1 July 2025
If the twins must walk the straight and narrow line, noting that being on their best behavior on and off the mat can only help show that the family is worthy of remaining in the States, then the line their father must toe is even thinner.
—Rob Oller, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
But the industry’s key to long-term mainstream success will be hewing to the straight and narrow.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“The straight and narrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20straight%20and%20narrow. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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