straight1 adverbstraight2 adjectivestraight3 noun
straightstraight1 /streɪt/ ●●● S1 W2 adverb 
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Harry was so drunk he couldn't see straight.
- If you look straight ahead, you'll see the church in the distance.
- It's rained for eight days straight.
- Jane was walking purposefully along the hall, straight towards us.
- Terry was so drunk he couldn't walk straight.
- Course two hundred ten degrees straight in for the central promontory.
- His gaze appeared to be fixed straight ahead, and he seemed utterly at peace with himself and his surroundings.
- Serve immediately straight from the soufflé dish.
- When at last it came, he carried it straight up to his bedroom and hid it under the wardrobe.
Longman Language Activatorstraight lines or objects
straight lines, roads, edges etc have no bends or curves: · First, draw two straight lines across the page using a ruler.· Her hair is blonde and very straight.· Anne loved Rome, with its open spaces and long straight avenues.dead straight especially British (=completely straight): · The road ran dead straight for 50 miles across the desert.
travelling or moving in a straight line · Terry was so drunk he couldn't walk straight.straight ahead/down/towards etc · If you look straight ahead, you'll see the church in the distance.· Jane was walking purposefully along the hall, straight towards us.
British /go straight American spoken to continue travelling ahead in the same direction as before, without turning left or right - use this when you are telling people which way to go: · When you get to the intersection, go straight.· Keep going straight on through the town and when you come to the school, turn left.
if something moves in a straight line , it does not turn to the left or to the right: · Light always travels in a straight line.· It's difficult to walk in a straight line with your eyes closed.
going straight from one place to another without changing direction: · Which is the most direct route to London from here?· The Chin tracks in India follow the most direct line between villages, regardless of gradient.
following a straight line between two places - use this to say what is the shortest possible distance between them: · The distance between the two towns is only 10 kilometres as the crow flies, but it can take up to 2 hours along the narrow coastal road.
sitting or standing straight sitting or standing with your back and neck straight, not bent: · The roof of the cave was so low he couldn't stand upright.· Pulling herself upright on her walking frame, she moved across the room to the stairs.bolt upright (=with your back very straight): · There was a sudden noise outside and she sat bolt upright in bed.
to become straight or make something straight to become straight or to make something straight: · The road twisted and turned for a few miles and then straightened out again.straighten out something: · He had straightened out all the paperclips on his desk, but had done no work.straighten something out: · Gemma needed surgery to straighten her knee out.
to make something straight: · The car's in the garage having its front bumper straightened.· Gradually straighten your legs until you are standing upright.
also straighten up to make your back straight when sitting or standing: · Alan straightened in his chair.· She straightened up as Melissa approached, pulling off her gardening gloves.
to make your back straight when sitting: · He sat up in his chair when I started talking about Chris.sit up straight: · Sit up straight and put a cushion behind your lower back.
to start to behave better to change the way you behave, and start being obedient, hard-working etc, after behaving badly for a long time: · It's possible the college might take you back, but first you'll have to convince them you've mended your ways.· If he doesn't mend his ways he'll be in jail by the time he's eighteen.
to decide that you will change the way you behave, because you really want to stop behaving badly, breaking the law etc: · I know I've done some bad things in the past, but now I'm turning over a new leaf.· After being released from jail, Tony decided to turn over a new leaf.
to start behaving better after a situation in which people did not trust you because you were behaving illegally or dishonestly: · She told her son to clean up his act or move out.· Tish has really cleaned up her act - she doesn't drink or smoke pot any more.
American to start to behave well after you had been behaving badly: · You'd better straighten up or you'll never make it out of high school.
British someone who has changed completely and no longer behaves badly or does things they should not do - often used humorously: · "Does Alex still drink as much as he used to?" "No, he's a reformed character now."
to stop being a criminal and decide to obey the law and live an honest life: · He's been going straight for about six months now.· You can't expect these people to go straight when no one's ever going to give them a job.
to speak honestly to be honest in what you say: · He wouldn't believe that I was telling the truth.· When you testify in court, you have to swear to tell the truth.tell somebody the truth: · Tell me the truth - does this dress make me look fat?
spoken say this before giving your honest opinion, especially when your opinion may sound unkind or surprising: · To be honest, I don't really like babies.· I wish I'd never met him, to be quite honest.· To be honest with you, I never expected him to get the job.· In all honesty, I've got no idea where she's living now.
spoken you say to be frank or frankly before giving your honest opinion, especially when your opinion may sound unkind or shocking : · To be frank, George isn't very good at the job.· Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.· Well, frankly, I think this proves that there are a lot of people making laws in this country who don't really know what they're doing.
to be honest with someone, especially when they have asked you to give them the correct story, reason etc: · I promise I won't get angry. Just level with me and tell me what happened.· I'm going to level with you - some of the other managers don't think you're ready for a promotion.
to be honest and give someone all the facts about a situation, even if they are unpleasant: · I told her straight that she was wrong. · The people who report to me have to be willing to tell it like it is.
to say exactly what you think even if it offends people: · She believes in speaking her mind, which makes her very unpopular.· Larry isn't afraid to speak his mind, even in front of the boss.
to say what you think in a way that you know might offend other people: · Helmut didn't mince any words in his criticism of the department.
to say exactly what you think about someone or something, especially in a situation where other people would be more polite: · Why not call a spade a spade and say that she's incompetent, if that's what you're thinking.
to speak honestly about someone or something, especially when you are criticizing them, without thinking about their feelings: · Rollins pulled no punches in his memoir, especially when writing about the political system.
happening or doing something in a series happening one after the other: · Successive nights without sleep make any new parent feel ready to quit.· Jackson became the first batter since Babe Ruth to hit three successive home runs in a single game.· Successive governments have failed to tackle the problem of international debt.
consecutive days, years etc come after one another, with no breaks in between: · The company has made a profit for seven consecutive years.· You must get a doctor's certificate if you're off work sick for more than three consecutive days.
happening immediately one after another in a series, especially in an unusually long series: · The temperatures was 40 degrees below zero for two weeks straight.· She is hoping to beat her personal record of 21 straight victories.
if something happens on a number of occasions, days, years etc in succession , it happens on each of those occasions, days, years etc, without a break: · She's won the championship four times in succession.· It's not advisable to plant wheat in the same field for more than two years in succession.
if a number of events happen one after the other or one after another , each one happens soon after the previous one: · One after another they got up and left the room.· He was so thirsty that he drank five glasses of water, one after the other.· She smoked nervously throughout the meeting, one cigarette after another.
done two or more times, one after another, without a break: · Last week I overslept three days in a row.· The Blazers have won 11 games in a row.
if you do something for the third time, fifth time etc running , you do it that number of times without a break: · This is the fourth time running you've been late.· Spender won the Cambridge Poetry Prize three years running.
two alternate actions, events, feelings etc are done in a fixed order, first one, then the other, then the first one again etc: · He worked alternate night and day shifts.· Italian cities have imposed alternate-day driving rules in an effort to reduce pollution.alternate Sundays/weekends etc (=first one Sunday or weekend, but not the next, then the next Sunday or weekend but not the next etc): · She visits her parents on alternate Sundays.
to stand with your back straight · Stand up straight with your back against the wall.· The pain in his stomach was so severe that he could no longer stand up straight.
also stand at attention if someone such as a soldier or a police officer stands to attention , they stand with their backs straight, their arms straight down by their sides, and their feet close together: · The colonel gave the order for the men to stand to attention.· We stood at attention until we were given permission to leave.
to stand up as straight as you can because you are angry with someone or are determined to make them listen to you: · I drew myself up to my full height and informed him that the President had sent me down here personally.· Trembling inside, I stepped out of the car and pulled myself up to my full height to face my adversary.
to stand up after bending down low: · She bent over the body, and when she straightened up there were tears in her eyes.· If you're lifting something heavy, be careful not to hurt your back when you straighten up.
to make a place tidy to make a room, desk, or drawer tidy: · If you're not going to watch the football, you can tidy your room.· I haven't had time to tidy up yet.· I want this whole place tidied before I get back, ok?tidy up something: · You can start tidying up that mess you've made now.· She hung about after work, tidying up her desk.tidy something up: · Will you help me tidy the kitchen up a bit?tidy something away (=put something in the place where you usually keep it): · Come on, let's have these toys tidied away now.tidy up after somebody (=to have to clean a room and put things away after someone has been in there): · Both my sons think mothers are just here to tidy up after them.
American to make a place tidy and clean, by putting things in the right place or arranging them neatly: · Make the bed and straighten up in there.· Kelly, when you're through with your break, would you straighten the office?straighten something up: · The city's janitors went on strike, leaving thousands of workers to straighten their own offices up and empty their own trash.straighten up something: · After the kids have left for school, I straighten up the house.· You're not leaving till you get your room straightened up.
to make a place tidy and clean, by putting things away and removing dust or dirt: · Do you want me to help clean up?clean something up: · Thanks for cleaning the place up -- I really appreciate it.· It took us two or three days to clean it all up.clean up something: · Every time Jasper cooked for me, he would carefully clean up all the pans and plates he'd used.
British to get rid of all the things that are making a place dirty or untidy: · Who's going to clear up after the party?· John's offered to clear up the churchyard this weekend. clear something up: · It'll take ages to clear this up.· It looked as if Marie had already cleared the place up.clear up something: · Someone's got to clear up this mess!· Wait for me, I just need to clear up my desk.clear up after somebody (=tidy a place after someone else has made it untidy): · I spend my life clearing up after the children.
to put things away neatly in order to make a place tidy: pick up something: · Could you pick up the newspapers and magazines for me?pick something up: · Help me pick these things up. We have company coming.pick up after somebody (=put away things that someone else has used) especially American: · I feel like I spend all my time picking up after the kids.
British informal to tidy a place and put everything where it should be: · I like to get the house straight while the kids are at the youth club.· One of these days I'll get this garage straight.
especially British to organize something that is mixed up or untidy: sort something out: · I'm going to sit down quietly one day and sort my CDs out.sort out something: · I need to sort out the food cupboard, and make a shopping list.· We've got to sort out all our stuff to take home tonight.
standing, pointing, or moving straight up or down · The wallpaper has vertical pink and white stripes.· In some places the cliff was almost vertical, and much too dangerous to climb.· The vertical line on the graph represents the time taken, and the horizontal line represents the distance travelled.· a fairground ride that ends with a vertical drop of a hundred feet
in a vertical position: sit/stand upright: · The ceiling was so low that he couldn't stand upright.hold/keep something upright: · Keep the bottle upright, in case it leaks.· She sat quietly, her violin held upright in her lap.
in a vertical direction, into or towards the sky: point/rise/travel etc straight up: · The rocket shot straight up and exploded overhead.· The towers of the hospital rose straight up from the edge of the highway.· A thin crack running straight up the wall had appeared.· At this point, the base of the golf club should point straight up into the air.
perfectly vertical in relation to the ground, or in relation to another line - used especially in technical contexts: · Behind them, there was a perpendicular wall of rock.· Ensure that the plumbline is perpendicular before you start to draw the line.perpendicular to (=at an angle of 90 degrees to another line or surface): · In a graph, the x-axis is perpendicular to the y-axis.
in a very straight, stiff, vertical position: · The headstones were all erect and orderly.· The rabbit looked all around, with its ears erect.sit/stand/walk etc erect: · The magistrate sat there, stern and erect, as the charge was read out.· She holds her head erect, with her blonde curls falling down her back.
a sheer surface or slope is very steep, almost vertical: sheer cliff/drop/slope etc: · The coastguard patrols paths at the top of high and sheer cliffs. · I stood at the edge of the old chalk quarry, with a sheer drop of ten or twenty metres below me.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
Go straight home and tell your mother. I think I should get straight to the point. She came straight out with it and said she was leaving. I hope, for your sake, you’re playing it straight (=being honest). I told him straight to his face (=speaking directly to him) what I thought of him.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Julia got straight A’s (=all A’s) in high school. They ran straight across the road (=without stopping). David went to bed straight after (=immediately after) supper. He stared straight ahead. Draw a straight line across the top of the page. Light travels in a straight line. I saw Fiona in the street yesterday and she looked straight through me. Stand up straight and don’t slouch! Sandra took to it straight away. The bullet passed straight through his skull. Carry on straight through the village. He drove straight through a red light. Zeke wasn’t looking and walked straight into a tree. I walked right into a mob of maybe 50 young white guys. You walked right into that one!COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB
Go straight home and tell your mother. I think I should get straight to the point. She came straight out with it and said she was leaving. I hope, for your sake, you’re playing it straight (=being honest). I told him straight to his face (=speaking directly to him) what I thought of him. Julia got straight A’s (=all A’s) in high school. They ran straight across the road (=without stopping). David went to bed straight after (=immediately after) supper. (=straight in front) The river is eight miles away dead ahead.
The river is eight miles away dead ahead. He stared straight ahead.· The honest answer is that I don’t know.
· The countryside around here is dead flat all the way to the sea.
(=make sure that what you say or believe is correct)· You should get your facts straight before making accusations.
· a girl with long straight hair
Draw a straight line across the top of the page. Light travels in a straight line. I saw Fiona in the street yesterday and she looked straight through me.· Her nose was long, straight and elegant.
(=used to emphasize that someone passes close to you and does not stop) Monica hurried straight past me and down the steps.
Monica hurried straight past me and down the steps. (=talk about the most important thing immediately)· I haven't got much time so let's get straight to the point.
(=with your back straight)· Sit up straight at the table, Maddie.
Stand up straight and don’t slouch! Sandra took to it straight away. The bullet passed straight through his skull. Carry on straight through the village. He drove straight through a red light. Zeke wasn’t looking and walked straight into a tree. I walked right into a mob of maybe 50 young white guys. You walked right into that one!· Both senior officers had felt it right to come straight to him.· There was a track coming straight at me.· He'd come straight from the fields, his smell was more what the child was used to.· It's a scenario that could have come straight out of Hollywood, and quite possibly did.· It was clear that the pilot was aiming to come straight over this time.· One of the men came straight up to me and grabbed the kids.· The sheep come straight in from the damp outdoors but infection must be kept at bay.· It is suggested that the answer to ties comes straight from long-term memory.
· She drove straight to the manor-house in Surrey.· He was apparently planning to rent a car and drive straight to Verona.· When a policewoman got out of the vehicle he rammed it and drove straight into a wall which was demolished.· For six years we lived under the threat that the M18 could be driven straight through the centre.· The car was driven straight from a studio photo session to the world's fastest track.· The weather began to turn bad, and we drove ... drove straight into this storm, or something.· It missed Coffin, who jumped back, then drove straight at Charley.· As long as they're in credit they drive straight through.
· When turning inbound after carrying out these procedures, simply fly straight to the station.· This meant flying straight in to the airport and landing facing south.· But Boston was socked in, so the plane flew straight to Frankfurt from Philadelphia.· If they could fly straight away their parents would never find them and they would starve?· The green bird flew straight down to it, its shadow confused and doubled by the moons.· Very few fly straight into the roost; most of the ravens are in no hurry to land.
· I went straight to Rella's box.· Calming myself I took it page by page, instead of going straight to the Rrap as I usually do.· I took a quick look around, then went straight to the guest room.· Harriet had gone straight into property after her A's and left home, funnily enough, before she did.· They went straight to the hospital.· Returning to the Hilton, they went straight up to the suite.· If the engine fails on take-off, keep going straight ahead and crash land.
· Then it headed straight for the nearest suitable planet and effected a landing.· The instant the tasting was over, the count headed straight for the airport.· He was headed straight for jail.· I headed straight for the kitchen.· We head straight into the morning sun.· When the Taylors reached Paris, they headed straight there.· The Sun he bought long ago from Hugh Cudlipp was a misbegotten creation heading straight for the abattoir.· And all reasons for not heading straight for the bank.
· I lifted up my glass of wine and looked straight into her eyes over the rim.· Maria continued to look straight ahead.· Mac sat quietly in the back, looking straight in front of him.· He was just lying in the road, looking straight up.· If not, she will pretend to look straight through him and pick at a plant leaf hoping he will go away.· She looked straight at him as if nothing had happened in the night.· For a moment they look straight into each other's eyes.· Failing to communicate anything helpful to Marcello, the little Umbrian angel looks straight at the camera, and at us.
· He took an involuntary pace forward and raised the shotgun to point straight at Angel One's face.· Her doll sits stiffly, pointed straight ahead at the fixtures that emerge from the wall.· Then the rod-man screamed, arm pointing straight ahead at the surf.· It was pointing straight at him now.· I purchased a dedicated Pentax flashgun with an adjustable flash head which could be adjusted to point straight ahead or angled upwards.· He is pointing straight at William, who has his hand up.· Now keep it there and bend your body gradually sideways to the right, keeping your right arm pointing straight down.· Its barrel was pointing straight at her.
· But at the front door I ran straight into a group of soldiers.· The road made a last sharp turn and ran straight west along the shoreline into Angle Inlet.· Jo ran straight up to her room and fell on the bed.· I seen blood, and with his screaming, I panicked and ran straight to our house.· When they got back to his London flat, she ran straight to the bedroom.· Vick couldn't run straight ahead, and he couldn't turn the corner.· The road ran straight across the desert for twenty miles.· Emmitt will run straight ahead, tackle to tackle.
· All you have to do is get up close, keep your temper, and shoot straight.· I hit a limb and the ball shot straight left.· I reckon he might have been too dazzled by the glitter around him even to shoot straight.· As the bosses of their own firm, their learning curve has shot straight up.· But the target is no longer there -- even City Hall, until lately, hasn't been able to shoot straight.· Any attempt to shoot straight out will rip yer bottom out!· Morey would shoot straight with me; he always has.
· She switches the light on in her room, and I go in and sit straight down on the chair.· Suddenly, he sat straight up.· Pearl had sat straight in her chair; her hands overturned on her knees.· On hearing a noise, he and Barnabas sat straight up, seeing only a silhouette in the doorway.
· He stood straight like an elegant, modern building with his large, black hands gently hanging by his lower body.· A small sheet of paper, ripped from a sketch pad: Hair that stands straight up.· He stood straight and still, breathing hard as if he were steeling himself to do something.· He stood straight and his brow lifted enough so we could see his eyes.· The Soviet boy stands straight, and salutes us with a stern expression on his face.· With his bladder about ready to burst, Gao Yang could barely stand straight, let alone speak.· He stands straight, like they do just before the game.· Go to a wall and stand straight with your back against it.
· Turning her head, she stared straight into Leo's eyes.· He grunted a little and then stared straight ahead.· The occupants of the car in front were staring straight ahead, not talking to each other, very tense.· She clamps her jaw shut and stares straight ahead.· All four rabbits were now staring straight at him.· Squeezing his trembling lips shut, he stared straight ahead.· His arms seem bolted to each arm rest and he is staring straight ahead at a television computer game.· She sits on the couch in the locker room staring straight ahead as the others trade jokes.
· Today it tends to be a more exclusive activity in which theologians talk straight to each other and down to the faithful.· The Nineties belong to those who can talk straight.
· Since that day she had not been able to sleep, or to think straight.· The buzz made it hard to think straight.· Then she might - just might - be able to think straight.· You are horrified, you can not think straight, as you stare at the broken body.· One could never think straight when the body's ills took all one's attention.· I - I can't think straight.· But I wasn't thinking straight.· If I'd been able to think straight five years ago, I'd never have married you.
· But, this time, she was not going to walk straight into the trap.· It was as if she left one movie and walked straight into another.-You all right?· I feel rather that we would be walking straight into a trap.· He was walking straight toward the van.· Beatrix had set a trap for Maurice and he had walked straight into it.· Newland Archer walked straight home again that afternoon.· It is in danger either of making knowledge impossible or of walking straight into one of our sceptical arguments.· He walked straight out on to the river.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► high-backed/straight-backed/low-backed etc► (straight/right) from the horse’s mouth► put somebody straight/right► put something straight
- He's been going straight for about six months now.
- Tony's been trying to go straight for about six months.
- You can't expect these people to go straight when no one's ever going to give them a job.
- He has been born into this world and gone straight to hell.
- He went straight up to Oxford Street and bought a tracksuit.
- It was some time before they were able to leave the hospital, and they went straight to Jack's barn.
- Job cuts are already being made and newly-qualified nurses are going straight on the dole.
- Left to our own devices, we Wobegonians go straight for the small potatoes.
- When she came back she avoided his look and went straight to a small table next to the stove.
- A thin crack running straight up the wall had appeared.
- At this point, the base of the golf club should point straight up into the air.
- Ben earns $10,000 a month, straight up.
- The rocket shot straight up and exploded overhead.
- The towers of the hospital rose straight up from the edge of the highway.
- This is your second time at this college, straight up?
- Sometimes he spoke straight from the shoulder and sometimes in puzzles and parables.
- The jab snaps out straight from the shoulder and bounces back immediately into high guard.
- He always saw straight to the point of an argument.
- Metaphorically speaking, you could see straight through him to the other side of the room.
- On the outermost point of the peninsula we could see straight over to Midland Isle and just beyond that to Skomer Island.
- Since that day she had not been able to sleep, or to think straight.
- Sooner or later he would be too exhausted to think straight and would give up the fight against himself.
- The buzz made it hard to think straight.
- Then she might - just might - be able to think straight.
- You are horrified, you can not think straight, as you stare at the broken body.
- But Bokassa's family want to open the palace straight away.
- He didn't answer straight away.
- Loosen the pudding and turn it out to serve straight away.
- Please send your gift straight away.
- Unfortunately I couldn't get out here straight away.
- Unmould on to a hot plate and serve straight away.
- We can also cancel this policy straight away if you do not pay the premium or any instalment of the premium.
- Windeler came in straight away, Hennessy a moment after.
- "I think I've lost that camera you lent me," I said, trying to keep a straight face.
- Barbara tried to keep a straight face, but in the end she just couldn't help laughing.
- He looked so ridiculous -- I don't know how I managed to keep a straight face.
- She looked so ridiculous it was hard to keep a straight face.
- When reading some of the competition entries, it was hard to keep a straight face.
- With a completely straight face, Thomas announced he was joining the Girl Guides.
- For the first hundred yards we keep straight faces.
- How can you say that and keep a straight face?
- I keep a straight face and the composure of a chemist dispensing a prescription.
- I try and keep a straight face, but I can't help grinning at myself.
- It was very difficult to keep a straight face.
- The old trick of keeping a straight face was failing him these days.
- He gives it to you straight.
- Listen, Dan, let me give it to you straight, as I see it.
- Cloughie probably gets closest to it - not he himself but the No. 9 seems to have his head screwed on.
- She seemed to have her head screwed on right, even if she was a girl.
- Said he was as stiff as a ramrod and would get nowhere, but he's pretty hard on people anyway.
- Having set the record straight there is a paradox.
- He sets the record straight by a thorough reconsideration of Addison's Cato, that tragedy constantly overrated at the time.
- I want to set the record straight.
- Or a desire to put the record straight?
- Taylor was given the perfect platform to set the record straight at yesterday's press conference.
- They have a duty to set the record straight, otherwise they are conniving at falsehood.
- Someone had to set Dave straight on company policies and procedures.
- He was so dazed by all he had just been through that he couldn't think straight.
- I - I can't think straight.
- One could never think straight when the body's ills took all one's attention.
- Since that day she had not been able to sleep, or to think straight.
- Sooner or later he would be too exhausted to think straight and would give up the fight against himself.
- The buzz made it hard to think straight.
- Then she might - just might - be able to think straight.
- You are horrified, you can not think straight, as you stare at the broken body.
WORD FAMILYnounstraightadjectivestraightverbstraightenadverbstraight
1in a straight line in a line or direction that is not curved or bentstraight ahead/at/down/in front of etc The book is on the table straight in front of you. She was looking straight at me. Terry was so tired he couldn’t walk straight. He was sitting with his legs stretched straight out in front of him.2position in a level or correct position: Sit up straight, don’t slouch.3immediately immediately, without delay, or without doing anything else firststraight to/up/down/back etc I went straight up to bed. Go straight home and tell your mother.straight after I’ve got a meeting straight after lunch. I think I should get straight to the point.4one after the other happening one after the other in a series: He’s been without sleep now for three days straight.5honest (also straight out) if you say or ask something straight, you say it in an honest direct way, without trying to hide your meaning: I just told him straight that I wouldn’t do it. She came straight out with it and said she was leaving. I hope, for your sake, you’re playing it straight (=being honest). I told him straight to his face (=speaking directly to him) what I thought of him.6 think/see straight if you cannot think or see straight, you cannot think or see clearly: Turn the radio down – I can’t think straight.7straight away (also straight off) British English spoken immediately or without delay: I phoned my mum straight away.8go straight informal to stop being a criminal and live an honest life: Tony’s been trying to go straight for about six months.9straight up spoken a)used to ask someone if they are telling the truth: Straight up? Did you really pay that much for it? b)used to emphasize that what you are saying is true: No, straight up, I’ve never seen him before.10straight from the shoulder British English informal if someone speaks straight from the shoulder, they say things in a very direct way, without trying to be politestraight1 adverbstraight2 adjectivestraight3 noun
straightstraight2 ●●● S2 W3 adjective (comparative straighter, superlative straightest) WORD ORIGINstraight2
Origin:
1300-1400 From an old past participle of stretchEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Straight men often feel nervous in the company of gays.
- straight teeth
- a straight line
- Anne loved Rome, with its open spaces and long straight avenues.
- Did you do it? Just give me a straight yes or no.
- First, draw two straight lines across the page using a ruler.
- Her hair is blonde and very straight.
- Here's your dollar back - now we're straight.
- How about a straight swap, my "U2" album for this one?
- I've asked several people what happened, but no one will give me a straight answer.
- I can't stand it when your friends come to visit - they're so straight.
- I don't care what you've done, Mike - just be straight with me.
- I like my vodka straight.
- Paul's quite nice but he's awfully straight.
- She's straight but she's got a lot of lesbian friends.
- The crash occurred on a straight section of the highway.
- The New York Rangers have won seven straight games.
- The road ran dead straight for 50 miles across the desert.
- Tony Blair stated that he was 'a pretty straight kind of guy'.
- All the posts stood erect and unblemished in a dead straight line.
- He will miss his second straight game when the Kings play Edmonton tonight at the Forum.
- How difficult, they reasoned, could a straight quarter-mile be compared to driving 500 miles on an oval track?
- It is a closely-packed map with hardly a straight line or an empty space in it.
- Johnston has played in 149 straight games and started in 90 of the last 91.
- She realized that she wasn't walking in a straight line and was unsteady on her feet.
THESAURUSnot hiding the truth or the facts
saying what you really think and not hiding the truth or the facts: · I’m going to ask you something, and I want you to be honest with me.· an honest answer· To be honest, I didn’t think his speech was very good.
informal honest and saying what you really think: · I can’t help you if you’re not straight with me.· I need a straight answer.
willing to talk about what you think, feel etc in an honest way, rather than trying to hide it: · People have become more open about their feelings.· She’s very easy to talk to because she’s so open.
speaking honestly and directly about something, especially something that people find difficult to discuss: · In his book, he’s brutally frank about his experience with his illness.· a frank discussion about sex
saying exactly what you think in an honest clear way, even when this might annoy or upset people: · Not everyone liked his direct manner.· She can be very direct.
speaking in a completely honest way, even if it upsets people, when it would be better to be more careful or polite: · Sorry if I was a bit blunt with you.· His hard tone and blunt words were hurtful.· She didn’t reply and I knew I had been too blunt.
[not before noun] informal talking and behaving in an honest way, even when it is difficult to do this, in a way that people respect: · It’s best to be upfront about your financial problems.· You have to be upfront with kids.
expressing your opinions publicly in a very direct way, which may offend or annoy some people: · an outspoken critic of the government· He was known for his outspoken views on various controversies.
formal saying exactly what what you think, without being afraid of what other people will think: · The opposition have not come up with a clear forthright statement of their policies.· At times, Helena was a little too forthright.
formal honest about the facts, or about your opinions and feelings, even if other people disapprove of them: · He’d always been completely candid about his past.· It was an unusually candid admission for a politician.
Longman Language Activatorstraight lines or objects straight lines, roads, edges etc have no bends or curves: · First, draw two straight lines across the page using a ruler.· Her hair is blonde and very straight.· Anne loved Rome, with its open spaces and long straight avenues.dead straight especially British (=completely straight): · The road ran dead straight for 50 miles across the desert.
travelling or moving in a straight line · Terry was so drunk he couldn't walk straight.straight ahead/down/towards etc · If you look straight ahead, you'll see the church in the distance.· Jane was walking purposefully along the hall, straight towards us.
British /go straight American spoken to continue travelling ahead in the same direction as before, without turning left or right - use this when you are telling people which way to go: · When you get to the intersection, go straight.· Keep going straight on through the town and when you come to the school, turn left.
if something moves in a straight line , it does not turn to the left or to the right: · Light always travels in a straight line.· It's difficult to walk in a straight line with your eyes closed.
going straight from one place to another without changing direction: · Which is the most direct route to London from here?· The Chin tracks in India follow the most direct line between villages, regardless of gradient.
following a straight line between two places - use this to say what is the shortest possible distance between them: · The distance between the two towns is only 10 kilometres as the crow flies, but it can take up to 2 hours along the narrow coastal road.
sitting or standing straight sitting or standing with your back and neck straight, not bent: · The roof of the cave was so low he couldn't stand upright.· Pulling herself upright on her walking frame, she moved across the room to the stairs.bolt upright (=with your back very straight): · There was a sudden noise outside and she sat bolt upright in bed.
to become straight or make something straight to become straight or to make something straight: · The road twisted and turned for a few miles and then straightened out again.straighten out something: · He had straightened out all the paperclips on his desk, but had done no work.straighten something out: · Gemma needed surgery to straighten her knee out.
to make something straight: · The car's in the garage having its front bumper straightened.· Gradually straighten your legs until you are standing upright.
also straighten up to make your back straight when sitting or standing: · Alan straightened in his chair.· She straightened up as Melissa approached, pulling off her gardening gloves.
to make your back straight when sitting: · He sat up in his chair when I started talking about Chris.sit up straight: · Sit up straight and put a cushion behind your lower back.
conventional conventional people, behaviour, and opinions are the type that most people in society think are normal and socially acceptable, although some people think they are boring and old-fashioned: · Rosemary led a quiet, conventional life until she went to college.· Her outrageous stage act is seen as a challenge to conventional morality.· Acupuncture may work, but I still believe in a more conventional approach to medicine.
thinking and behaving like everyone else, because you do not want to be different: · Your problem is that you are too conformist in your thinking.· Our children's creativity is being beaten down by the conformist educational system.
informal conventional and often fairly boring: · Paul's quite nice but he's awfully straight.· I can't stand it when your friends come to visit - they're so straight.
a conservative person is fairly old-fashioned in their attitudes, beliefs, styles of clothes etc, and does not like change or new ideas. Old-fashioned attitudes, beliefs, styles etc can also be called conservative: · June's parents were very conservative and wouldn't allow her to date till she was 18.· middle-aged men in conservative business suits
especially British typical of the attitudes and way of life of people who are conventional and ordinary, and who disapprove of anyone who does not live or behave like them: · She hated her parents' suburban attitudes.· Despite her suburban clothes and appearance she was popular at college.
doing things in a way that have existed for a long time, and not interested in anything new or different: · Many traditional teachers still think of computers as useless toys.· His critics objected to the way he broke many of the traditional rules of art.
not gay sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex - use this especially when you are also talking about gay people: · Most of the people who come to the club are heterosexual, but we do get a small number of gay men.· The law applies to both heterosexual and homosexual employees.
not gay - use this especially when you are comparing people who are not gay with people who are: · Straight men often feel nervous in the company of gays.· She's straight but she's got a lot of lesbian friends.
someone who tells the truth someone who is honest says what they really think or what is really happening, and does not try to hide the truth or deceive people: · You can always rely on Stewart to be honest.honest about: · I don't think she's being completely honest about what she knows.be honest with somebody: · All we are asking is that management be honest with us, even if the situation is difficult.honest answer/reply etc: · Tell me where you were - and I want an honest answer.
someone who is truthful does not lie: · As a child she was obedient and truthful.· Not everyone believes the government is being truthful.truthful about: · He has clearly not been truthful about the nature of their relationship.be truthful with somebody: · I hope we can be truthful with each other.truthful account/story/answer etc: · It is unlikely that a truthful account of conditions in the prison will ever be seen.
showing your true feelings and what you really believe: · She said she would love to come, but I wasn't sure if she was being sincere.· My client extends his sincere apologies to anyone who may have been hurt by his actions.
talking in an honest and direct way, especially about subjects that are difficult to talk about: · I'll be frank with you - I don't think you're doing a very good job.· Parents should not be afraid to have frank discussions about sex with their children.frank about: · Graham was surprisingly frank about his feelings.be frank with somebody: · The doctor was very frank with me and told me how serious my condition was.
honest, friendly, and happy to tell other people the truth, especially about things that other people might be embarrassed to talk about: · Diana's very easy to talk to because she's so open.· He's a nice looking young man with an open, honest smile.open about: · Greg has always been very open about his sexuality.
saying exactly what you think in an honest, clear way, even though this may sometimes annoy or upset other people: · People were often scared of my father, who was very direct.· With her direct manner and good head for business she was soon promoted.
honest and willing to tell the truth, even if the truth is unpleasant: · He's always up front and willing to admit his mistakes.up front about: · The company's directors have been surprisingly up front about their financial problems.be up front with somebody: · Karen is always very up front with her boyfriends.
especially spoken honest and likely to tell people exactly what you think or what is happening, without trying to hide anything: · Tony Blair stated that he was 'a pretty straight kind of guy'.be straight with somebody: · I don't care what you've done, Mike - just be straight with me.straight answer: · I've asked several people what happened, but no one will give me a straight answer.
especially written honest about your opinions and feelings, even if other people disapprove of them: · Lena is amusingly candid when she talks about the men in her life.candid about: · The management team has been very candid about the problems the company is now facing.candid discussion/conversation/comment etc: · She led a candid discussion about race relations in the city.
to stop yourself laughing if you try to keep a straight face , you try not to laugh or smile, because it would be rude to laugh, or you do not want someone to know you are joking: · When reading some of the competition entries, it was hard to keep a straight face.· "I think I've lost that camera you lent me," I said, trying to keep a straight face.with a straight face: · With a completely straight face, Thomas announced he was joining the Girl Guides.
not mixed with anything else not mixed with anything else: · The bottle contained 4 litres of pure alcohol.· When it first comes out of the ground, the oil is not very pure.pure silk/wool/cotton: · Clothes made of pure cotton are much cooler than those made of mixed fibers.20%/50% etc pure: · Crude cocaine is only about 25 percent pure.
: solid gold/silver/pine etc made of gold, silver, wood etc that has not been mixed with any other metal or wood: · a solid gold necklace· The antiques dealer guessed that the furniture was Victorian and solid mahogany.
if something is 100% beef, 100% cotton etc, it is made only from beef or cotton, and has no other food or material added to it: · The label said '100% wool'.· The hamburgers at this restaurant are 100% beef.· a 100% graphite tennis racket
if you have a strong alcoholic drink neat or straight, you do not mix it with another drink or with water: · He always drinks his whisky neat.· I'll have a straight vodka please.
not mixed with other less pure substances: · Nowadays more and more people are choosing to buy unadulterated organic food, which has been grown without pesticides and chemicals.
to make something correct · Teachers spend many hours correcting students' assignments.· It will take us some time to correct all the mistakes.· Is there any way of politely correcting someone's grammar?correct me if I'm wrong (=say this when you think what you are saying is right, but you are not sure) · Correct me if I'm wrong, but haven't we met before?
a mark or note correcting something on a piece of written work: · My essay was covered in corrections in red ink.· Corrections should be pencilled into the margins.· My Spanish teacher will point out errors, but we have to make the corrections ourselves.
also put somebody straight British to tell someone the true facts when they have made a mistake, especially if you are annoyed by their mistake: · She quickly set me straight, saying that while she enjoys her job, she works mainly for the money.· Your friends are always ready to put you straight when you do something stupid.set sb straight about: · It's time to set people straight about why he was fired - he didn't act in a professional manner.
also put the record straight British to tell people the true facts about something, especially in public, because you want to make it very clear that what is believed is in fact not correct: · It's time we put the record straight. The newspapers are wrong -- this factory will not be closing down.· Paulson, wanting to set the record straight, called a press conference.
to look serious when you are joking to stop yourself from laughing or smiling when you are joking or when you think something is funny: · Barbara tried to keep a straight face, but in the end she just couldn't help laughing.· He looked so ridiculous -- I don't know how I managed to keep a straight face.
if you say something straightfaced , you do not show by your expression that it is just a joke and is not really true: · Lea told him, completely straightfaced, that sunglasses are called moonglasses in Canada.
if you do or say something funny in a deadpan way, you deliberately do or say it without smiling or laughing: · Laurel and Hardy played all their great comic roles completely deadpan.· the deadpan humour of TV comic Paul Merton· His tone was completely deadpan, and it was difficult to tell if he was joking or not.
WORD SETSabsinth, nounalcohol, nounale, nounalehouse, nounaperitif, nounbaby milk, nounbar, nounbarfly, nounbarhop, verbbarkeeper, nounbarley wine, nounbarmaid, nounbarman, nounbartender, nounbeef tea, nounbeer, nounbenedictine, nounbeverage, nounbibulous, adjectivebistro, nounbitter, nounblack, adjectivebootleg, verbbooze, nounboozer, nounbooze-up, nounboozing, nounboozy, adjectivebottle, verbbouquet, nounbourbon, nounbrandy, nounbreathe, verbbrew, verbbrew, nounbrewer, nounbrewery, nounbroach, verbBuck's Fizz, nounburgundy, nounbuttermilk, nouncamomile, nouncappuccino, nouncarbonated, adjectivecask, nouncellar, nounchalice, nounchampagne, nounchampers, nounchar, nounchartreuse, nounchaser, nounChelsea bun, nounchocolate, nouncider, nounclaret, nounclub soda, nouncoaster, nounCoca-Cola, cocktail, nouncocktail lounge, nouncocktail shaker, nouncocktail stick, nouncocktail waitress, nouncocoa, nouncoffee, nouncoffee bar, nouncoffee bean, nouncoffee machine, nouncoffeemaker, nouncoffee mill, nouncognac, nouncola, nounconsommé, nouncordial, nouncork, nouncork, verbcorkage, nouncorked, adjectivecorkscrew, nouncorn whiskey, nouncrème de menthe, nouncup, nouncuppa, nouncuraçao, noundaiquiri, noundecaf, noundecaffeinated, adjectivedecanter, noundessert wine, noundipsomaniac, noundissipated, adjectivedissipation, noundissolute, adjectivedistiller, noundistillery, noundram, noundraught, noundregs, noundried milk, noundrink, verbdrink, noundrinkable, adjectivedrinking fountain, noundrinking-up time, noundrinking water, noundrinks machine, noundrinks party, noundrop, noundry, adjectiveDutch courage, nounespresso, nounethyl alcohol, nounferment, verbfinger, nounfizz, nounflat, adjectivefloat, nounfortified wine, nounfroth, nounfroth, verbfrothy, adjectivefull-cream, adjectiveGandT, noungassy, adjectivegin, noungin and tonic, nounginger ale, nounginger beer, nounglass, noungreen tea, noungrenadine, noungrog, noungumbo, nounhalf, nounhalf-and-half, nounhangover, nounhappy hour, nounhead, nounhighball, nounhip flask, nounhock, nounhogshead, nounhome brew, nounhooch, nounhot chocolate, nounice bucket, nounice cube, nounice water, nouninfuse, verbinfusion, nounintoxicant, nounintoxicating, adjectiveIrish coffee, nounjar, nounjigger, nounjuice, nounkeg, nounkirsch, nounlace, verblager, nounlandlord, nounlemon, nounlemonade, nounlicensed, adjectivelicensing laws, nounlight, adjectivelight ale, nounlimeade, nounliqueur, nounliquor, nounlite, adjectivelocal, nounlounge bar, nounMadeira, nounmagnum, nounmalt, nounmalted, nounmalt liquor, nounmaraschino, nounmargarita, nounMartini, nounmash, nounmature, adjectivemature, verbmead, nounmeasure, nounmellow, verbmilk, nounmilk shake, nounmilky, adjectivemineral water, nounmint julep, nounmix, verbmixer, nounmocha, nounmoonshine, nounmulled wine, nounneat, adjectivenectar, nounnightcap, nounnip, nounnoggin, nounnon-alcoholic, adjectiveoff-licence, nounopen bar, nounorangeade, nounouzo, nounpale ale, nounparalytic, adjectivepasteurized, adjectivepercolate, verbperk, verbperry, nounpick-me-up, nounpiña colada, nounpink gin, nounpint, nounplonk, nounpop, nounport, nounporter, nounprohibitionist, nounproof, nounpunch, nounquaff, verbrake, nounrat-arsed, adjectivered, nounrefill, nounrefreshment, nounretsina, nounring-pull, nounroot beer, nounrosé, nounrotgut, nounrum, nounrye, nounsake, nounsaloon, nounsangria, nounsarsaparilla, nounschnapps, nounScotch, nounscrewdriver, nounscrumpy, nounsediment, nounsemi-skimmed milk, nounshake, nounshaker, nounshandy, nounshebeen, nounsherry, nounshort, nounshot, nounsiphon, nounsix-pack, nounskimmed milk, nounslimline, adjectivesloe gin, nounslug, nounslush, nounsnifter, nounsoda, nounsoda siphon, nounsoda water, nounsoft drink, nounsparkling, adjectivespeakeasy, nounspike, verbspirit, nounsplash, nounspritzer, nounsquash, nounstein, nounstewed, adjectivestill, adjectivestill, nounstout, nounstraight, adjectivestraw, nounsundowner, nounsup, verbswig, verbswill, verbswizzle stick, nountab, nountable wine, nountall, adjectivetankard, nountavern, nountea, nounteabag, nounteahouse, nountea leaves, nountearoom, nountea shop, nountea urn, nountemperance, nountequila, nountied house, nountippler, nountoddy, nountonic, nountop-up, nountot, nounTurkish coffee, nountwo-percent milk, nounUHT milk, noununcork, verbvermouth, nounvintage, adjectivevintage, nounvintner, nounvodka, nounwater, verbwatering hole, nounweak, adjectivewet bar, nounwhisky, nounwhite, adjectivewine cooler, nounwrecked, adjectiveyeast, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY They sat down in a straight line. The road was dead straight (=completely straight). I’d like a straight answer please. I think it’s time for some straight talk now. It took me two hours to get the house straight. I found it very difficult to keep a straight face. It was a straight choice between my career or my family.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Julia got straight A’s (=all A’s) in high school. They ran straight across the road (=without stopping). David went to bed straight after (=immediately after) supper. He stared straight ahead. Draw a straight line across the top of the page. Light travels in a straight line. I saw Fiona in the street yesterday and she looked straight through me. Stand up straight and don’t slouch! Sandra took to it straight away. The bullet passed straight through his skull. Carry on straight through the village. He drove straight through a red light. Zeke wasn’t looking and walked straight into a tree. I walked right into a mob of maybe 50 young white guys. You walked right into that one!COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
They sat down in a straight line. The road was dead straight (=completely straight). I’d like a straight answer please. I think it’s time for some straight talk now. It took me two hours to get the house straight. I found it very difficult to keep a straight face. It was a straight choice between my career or my family. Julia got straight A’s (=all A’s) in high school. They ran straight across the road (=without stopping). David went to bed straight after (=immediately after) supper. (=straight in front) The river is eight miles away dead ahead.
The river is eight miles away dead ahead. He stared straight ahead.· The honest answer is that I don’t know.
· The countryside around here is dead flat all the way to the sea.
(=make sure that what you say or believe is correct)· You should get your facts straight before making accusations.
· a girl with long straight hair
Draw a straight line across the top of the page. Light travels in a straight line. I saw Fiona in the street yesterday and she looked straight through me.· Her nose was long, straight and elegant.
(=used to emphasize that someone passes close to you and does not stop) Monica hurried straight past me and down the steps.
Monica hurried straight past me and down the steps. (=talk about the most important thing immediately)· I haven't got much time so let's get straight to the point.
(=with your back straight)· Sit up straight at the table, Maddie.
Stand up straight and don’t slouch! Sandra took to it straight away. The bullet passed straight through his skull. Carry on straight through the village. He drove straight through a red light. Zeke wasn’t looking and walked straight into a tree. I walked right into a mob of maybe 50 young white guys. You walked right into that one!· I even resorted to going to a hairdresser who guaranteed that I'd emerge with dead straight hair.· His favourite was in bright print patchwork, and he wore it dead straight, one inch above his eyebrows.· They are dead straight and can be dowsed across country.· You go straight forward in a dead straight line.· He keeps going in a dead straight line.· He takes a quick kick dead straight towards goal ... which shearer runs on to and scores.· After running dead straight for about 160 metres, the Royal Road reaches the modern road from Heraklion.· A peeled fine-grained stick, dead straight.
NOUN· Then I want a straight answer.· Tommy gave straight answers and expected them in return.· I also want a straight answer on Charlie Northrup.· Designed to provide a straight answer to a straight question as fast as possible.· Now that was a straight answer.· You just have to give a straight answer.
· Given a straight choice, I'd rather sit by a slug.· Jack had been faced with a straight choice and he had chosen his career.
· A nice, straight day with the family - that seemed morally appropriate.· The Big Hurt missed his sixth straight day of workouts and was scheduled to speak with owner Jerry Reinsdorf.· The bond market, which thrives on slow growth and low inflation, rallied Wednesday for the second straight day.· It marked the second straight day the 30-year bond price has fallen a point or more.
· Positive curvature of edges can be trimmed away, if necessary, to give straight edges in plan.· Many straight edges can be joined by picking up the edges, right sides together, on to the needlebed.· As it cooks, neaten the sides with a spatula to build up a deep, straight edge.· Use a board or a line as a guide when cutting straight edges or a length of hose pipe for curves.· The only straight edges were on the television, which was even housed in a hideous gilt cabinet.· Why not lay in the line of tempera, holding the brush against a straight edge, such as a ruler.· He slammed the straight edge into his opponent's face, taking him between top lip and nostrils.· Called Dual Control, it calculates where to lower or raise the plough to get a straight edge on the headland.
· The old trick of keeping a straight face was failing him these days.· Kemp is straining to maintain a straight face.· How can you say that and keep a straight face?· It was very difficult to keep a straight face.· I keep a straight face and the composure of a chemist dispensing a prescription.· We start with safe conversation and straight faces.· Thkarni she said with a straight face.· The plot is one that you can hardly repeat with a straight face.
· The Bruins had won five straight games decided by eight points or less.· Pavel Bure scored two goals, but it wasn't enough to prevent Florida from losing its fourth straight game.· Spellman, in the second year of a four-year, $ 11. 6 million contract, had missed five straight games.· Kirk McLean made 39 saves as the Rangers lost their third straight game.· So the Bears were left to search for silver linings after losing their third straight game.· Cam Neely, who has 25 goals, missed his second straight game because of hip, foot and wrist ailments.· He will miss his second straight game when the Kings play Edmonton tonight at the Forum.· So much for that stat about Anthony Bookman and Mike Mitchell each rushing for more than 100 yards in three straight games.
· By Tina at Marc Young Maximum root lift and volume achieved on long, straight hair.· And perms, our straight hair tortured into frizz for the Christmas or Easter gathering and the requisite smiling photograph.· I even resorted to going to a hairdresser who guaranteed that I'd emerge with dead straight hair.· He was absorbed in eating, and his blond, straight hair fell forward over his forehead.· She was a plain girl, with straight hair and thin limbs and a mathematical turn of mind.· As mine was a redemptive story about fair hair, hers was one about straight hair.· The lad intrigued him, with his curiously flattened nose, like a cat's, and his extremely coarse straight hair.· Laz pumps my hand in a blustering manner that sends his straight hair bobbing over his ruddy face.
· All objects have a propensity to move in straight lines, upwards or downwards, towards their natural place.· Bobbie favored straight lines over detours, but in her own way she too knew how to adapt.· The beam carried on in a straight line, and hit the point where the bullseye ought to have been.· Imagine yourself centred along a straight line running from the top of your head to your feet.· To draw a conchoid of a straight line: Select a point A that is not on the straight line.· A road goes straight, rivers meander; houses are in straight lines, trees irregular.· An image is convex if every straight line with both ends in the image is actually entirely in the image.
· After seven straight losses here, and almost eight, no one in the traveling party was feeling too nostalgic.· This is exactly the sort of collapse that keyed their six straight losses in the last two months of last season.· It was the Hokies' eighth straight loss.
· A round face with a high forehead, blue eyes, short straight nose, a mantle of shining, fair hair.· Gliding by they showed their fair faces, their committed brows and straight noses.· The boy grew into a man with blue eyes, a long straight nose, and dark red hair.· Her face was perfect: high cheekbones, a straight nose and a lush mouth.· Thick dark hair, large eyes, pale unblemished skin, sculpted planes of the face, straight noses, strong mouths.· She wore no make-up but had classic features, a straight nose, full lips and fine eyes.· Dark hair, brown eyes, straight nose, not too short.· She had a wide, full mouth, a straight nose, and the same piercing blue eyes as her brother.
· In a magnetic field, a moving charged particle is deflected from the straight path along which it was travelling.· I have believed in carving a straight path to my objective and following that path.· I am, in the mid-course of my life, looking for the straight path through the trees.· Science is a logical pursuit but progress in science does not necessarily, or even usually, follow a straight path.· Or like the Vicar they keep to the straight path because vice is more arduous than virtue.· But that doesn't put Tommaso himself on a straight path.· The circle was divided into four equal segments by two straight paths; she took one of the paths.· It has no component of curvature lying in the surface, which makes it the straightest path possible over the surface.
· It was a straight road, the kind of road that leads to a temple or a sacred monument.· The Lakers also missed a chance to win their eighth straight road game, something they last accomplished in 1973.· One long straight road runs like a main vein down the arm of Grand Isle.· The enclosure turned the Broyle into the landscape of ploughland bisected by long straight roads that it still remains.· The landscape of straight roads, often unfenced, and of small geometrical plantations, is characteristic of this late period.· He waited, seeing it well out of sight down the straight road.· He used it even though there was now a good straight road running along the edge of the forest.
· It was over in less than an hour with Christina winning in straight sets.· Edberg succumbed with minimal resistance, losing in straight sets.
· The company, the world's largest manufacturer of commercial aircraft, has experienced five straight years of record orders.· But Bergman fizzled for the second straight year.· Seattle has enjoyed a sun-splashed monsoon season for the second straight year, and temperatures topped 50 F on Wednesday.· In the meantime, the one matchup which most local prep football fans long for went unplayed for the eighth straight year.· For the second straight year, Major-League Baseball held a World Series.· Smith, the former Tulsa coach, is in the Sweet 16 for the third straight year.· He made the Pro Bowl for a fifth straight year after leading the Steelers in tackles and tackles for losses.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► set/put somebody straightPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► high-backed/straight-backed/low-backed etc► (straight/right) from the horse’s mouth► put somebody straight/right► put something straight
- Despite the problem of trying to maintain a straight face, there are distinct advantages to being on Cube's team.
- For the first hundred yards we keep straight faces.
- How can you say that and keep a straight face?
- I try and keep a straight face, but I can't help grinning at myself.
- It was very difficult to keep a straight face.
- Kemp is straining to maintain a straight face.
- The old trick of keeping a straight face was failing him these days.
- We start with safe conversation and straight faces.
- I like to get the house straight while the kids are at the youth club.
- One of these days I'll get this garage straight.
- The reporter didn't get the details of the story straight.
- "I think I've lost that camera you lent me," I said, trying to keep a straight face.
- Barbara tried to keep a straight face, but in the end she just couldn't help laughing.
- He looked so ridiculous -- I don't know how I managed to keep a straight face.
- She looked so ridiculous it was hard to keep a straight face.
- When reading some of the competition entries, it was hard to keep a straight face.
- With a completely straight face, Thomas announced he was joining the Girl Guides.
- For the first hundred yards we keep straight faces.
- How can you say that and keep a straight face?
- I keep a straight face and the composure of a chemist dispensing a prescription.
- I try and keep a straight face, but I can't help grinning at myself.
- It was very difficult to keep a straight face.
- The old trick of keeping a straight face was failing him these days.
- He gives it to you straight.
- Listen, Dan, let me give it to you straight, as I see it.
- Cloughie probably gets closest to it - not he himself but the No. 9 seems to have his head screwed on.
- She seemed to have her head screwed on right, even if she was a girl.
- Said he was as stiff as a ramrod and would get nowhere, but he's pretty hard on people anyway.
- Having set the record straight there is a paradox.
- He sets the record straight by a thorough reconsideration of Addison's Cato, that tragedy constantly overrated at the time.
- I want to set the record straight.
- Or a desire to put the record straight?
- Taylor was given the perfect platform to set the record straight at yesterday's press conference.
- They have a duty to set the record straight, otherwise they are conniving at falsehood.
- Someone had to set Dave straight on company policies and procedures.
- He was so dazed by all he had just been through that he couldn't think straight.
- I - I can't think straight.
- One could never think straight when the body's ills took all one's attention.
- Since that day she had not been able to sleep, or to think straight.
- Sooner or later he would be too exhausted to think straight and would give up the fight against himself.
- The buzz made it hard to think straight.
- Then she might - just might - be able to think straight.
- You are horrified, you can not think straight, as you stare at the broken body.
WORD FAMILYnounstraightadjectivestraightverbstraightenadverbstraight
1not bending or curving something that is straight does not bend or curve: a long, straight road Try to keep your legs straight. Always lift with a straight back. her long, straight black hair They sat down in a straight line. The road was dead straight (=completely straight).2level/upright level or upright, and not leaning to one side: Is my tie straight? straight white teeth3truthful honest and truthful: I’d like a straight answer please. Just give me a straight yes or no. I think it’s time for some straight talk now.be straight with somebody I wish you’d just be straight with me.► see thesaurus at honest4one after another [only before noun] happening immediately one after another in a series: The team now has an amazing record of 43 straight wins.5tidy [not before noun] a room that is straight is clean and tidy and everything is in its proper place: It took me two hours to get the house straight.6get something straight spoken to understand the facts of a situation and be able to tell them correctly: I wanted to get the facts straight. Let me get this straight – Tom sold the car and gave you the money?7set/put somebody straight to make someone understand the true facts about a situation: Tell him to ask Ruth – she’ll put him straight.8straight face if you have a straight face, you are not laughing or smiling even though you would like to: I found it very difficult to keep a straight face.9sexual choice informal someone who is straight is attracted to people of the opposite sex SYN heterosexual10alcoholic drink a straight alcoholic drink has no water or any other drink added to it: a straight whisky11not owing money [not before noun] spoken if two people are straight, they no longer owe money to each other: If you give me £10, then we’re straight.12choice/exchange [only before noun] a straight choice or exchange is between only two possible choices or things: It was a straight choice between my career or my family. We did a straight swap – one of my cards for one of his.13fight/competition [only before noun] a straight fight or competition is between only two people: The election is now a straight fight between Labour and the Conservatives.14normal informal someone who is straight behaves in a way that is accepted as normal by many people but which you think is boring15not funny a straight actor or character does not try to make people laugh16only one type completely one particular type of something: It’s not a straight historical novel.17drugs informal someone who is straight does not take illegal drugs → set/put the record straight at record1straight1 adverbstraight2 adjectivestraight3 noun
straightstraight3 noun EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- Wittman wrote: Much of our sexuality has been perverted through mimicry of straights, and warped from self-hatred.
WORD SETS
ace, nounace, verbacrobat, nounacrobatic, adjectiveacrobatics, nounaction replay, nounaerobic, adjectiveaim, nounaim, verball-American, adjectiveall-seater, adjectivearena, nounAstroTurf, nounattack, verbaway, adverbaway, adjectiveback, nounbackhand, nounbackhanded, adjectivebackhander, nounbackspin, nounball, nounball game, nounbaseline, nounbat, nounbench, verbbleachers, nounblock, nounbobble, verbbout, nounbowl, nounbowl, verbbowling alley, nounbowling ball, nounbowling green, nounbox, nounbox, verbboxer, nounbronze, nounbronze medal, nounbye, nouncall, verbcall, nouncap, verbcaptain, nouncaptain, verbcaptaincy, nounchange, verbchanging room, nouncheer, nouncheerleader, nouncheerleading, nounchip, nounchip, verbcircuit training, nounclose season, nounclubhouse, nouncoach, nounconference, nouncontender, nouncourse, nouncourse, verbcourt, nouncover, verbcross, verbcross, nouncross-country, adjectivecrown, nouncup, nouncup final, nouncup tie, nouncurve, noundead, adjectivedecider, noundefence, noundefend, verbdefender, noundefensive, adjectivederby, noundisallow, verbdisqualify, verbdivision, noundivot, noundown, adverbdraft, noundraw, verbdraw, noundribble, verbdribble, noundrive, noundrop, verbdrop goal, noundropkick, noundrop shot, noundrubbing, noundugout, nouneleven, numberequalize, verbequalizer, nouneven, adjectiveevent, nounface, nounfast, adjectivefavourite, nounfeint, nounfield, verbfielder, nounfieldsman, nounfield sports, nounfight, verbfight, nounfighter, nounfinalist, nounfirst half, nounfirst-string, adjectivefixture, nounflat, adjectiveflip, nounfollow-through, nounfootball, nounfootwork, nounform, nounfoul, nounfoul line, nounfriendly, adjectivefull-court press, nounfull time, nounfumble, verbgala, noungame, noungame point, noungate, noungoal, noungoalie, noungoalkeeper, noungoalless, adjectivegoal line, noungoalmouth, noungoalpost, noungoaltender, noungold, noungold medal, noungrand slam, noungrandstand, nounground staff, noungym shoe, noungymslip, nounhalf, nounhalfback, nounhalf nelson, nounhalf-time, nounhammer, nounhandball, nounhand-eye co-ordination, nounhandicap, nounhandspring, nounhandstand, nounhat trick, nounhead start, nounheat, nounheavy, adjectivehiding, nounhome, adjectivein, adverbinfield, nouninjury time, nouninterference, nouninternational, nounjersey, nounjock, nounjockstrap, nounjogging suit, nounjump, nounjump ball, nounjumper, nounjumping jack, nounjump shot, nounjunior varsity, nounlane, nounleague table, nounletter, nounletter, verblevel, verblineman, nounlinesman, nounline-up, nounlocker, nounlocker room, nounluge, nounmallet, nounmanager, nounmark, verbmassacre, nounmassacre, verbmatch, nounmedal, nounmedallist, nounmeeting, nounMexican wave, nounmidfield, nounmisfield, verbmixed doubles, nounmotocross, nounmotor racing, nounmuff, verbmusclebound, adjectivemuscleman, nounnet, nounnet, verbnetball, nounnil, nounno ball, nounoarsman, nounoarswoman, nounobstruction, nounoffense, nounoffensive, adjectiveoffside, adjectiveOlympiad, nounOlympic, adjectiveOlympic Games, the, onside, adjectiveopener, nounopponent, nounout, adverbout, nounoutdistance, verboutsider, nounoverarm, adjectiveoverhand, adjectiveown goal, nounpacesetter, nounpass, verbpass, nounPE, nounpenalty, nounpep rally, nounperiod, nounphoto finish, nounphysical education, nounpitch, nounplace kick, nounplayable, adjectiveplay-by-play, nounplayer, nounplaying field, nounplay-off, nounpoint, nounpole, verbposition, nounpossession, nounpost, nounpreliminary, nounpro-am, nounprofessionalism, nounpromote, verbpromotion, nounPT, nounpull, verbpull-up, nounpummel, verbpunchbag, nounqualifier, nounqualify, verbquarter-final, nounrace, verbracetrack, nounracing, adjectiveracket, nounrain check, nounrally, nounrecord, nounrecord-holder, nounrecreation ground, nounref, nounreferee, nounreferee, verbregatta, nounrelay, nounrelay race, nounrelegate, verbreplay, verbreplay, nounrerun, verbreserve, nounretire, verbreturn, verbrevenge, nounringside, nounroll, nounrookie, nounround, nounround robin, nounrunner, nounrunner-up, nounrun-up, nounsave, verbsave, nounscore, nounscore, verbscorer, nounscratch, verbscratch, adjectivescreen, nounscrimmage, nounselector, nounsemi, nounsemi-final, nounsemi-finalist, nounsemi-professional, adjectiveserve, verbserve, nounserver, nounservice, nounset, nounshoot, verbshoot, nounshot, nounsideline, nounsilver, nounsilver medal, nounskate, nounskipper, nounslaughter, verbslice, verbslick, nounslump, nounsnowmobile, nounsnowshoe, nounsomersault, nounsouthpaw, nounspar, verbsparring partner, nounspectate, verbspectator, nounspectator sport, nounspin, nounsports centre, nounsports day, nounsportsmanship, nounsporty, adjectivespot, verbsprint, verbsquad, nounstadium, nounstagger, verbstart, nounstarter, nounstarting blocks, nounstayer, nounstick, nounstraight, nounstrip, nounstroke, nounstud, nounsub, nounsudden death, nounsweatband, nounsweatpants, nounsweat suit, nountackle, verbtackle, nountalent scout, nountarget, nounteam-mate, nounthree-legged race, nounthrow, nounthrust, verbtie, nountiebreaker, nountight, adjectivetime, verbtimekeeper, nountime out, nountitle, nountitle holder, nountopspin, nountoreador, nountour, nountournament, nountrack, nountrain, verbtransfer fee, nountrophy, nountryout, nounumpire, nounumpire, verbunbeatable, adjectiveundecided, adjectiveunderarm, adverbunderhand, adverbunplaced, adjectiveuppercut, nounvarsity, nounvolley, nounvolley, verbwalking, nounwarm-up, nounwet suit, nounwhippet, nounwhistle, verbwhistle, nounwin, nounwing, nounwinger, nounworkout, nounwristband, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Julia got straight A’s (=all A’s) in high school. They ran straight across the road (=without stopping). David went to bed straight after (=immediately after) supper. He stared straight ahead. Draw a straight line across the top of the page. Light travels in a straight line. I saw Fiona in the street yesterday and she looked straight through me. Stand up straight and don’t slouch! Sandra took to it straight away. The bullet passed straight through his skull. Carry on straight through the village. He drove straight through a red light. Zeke wasn’t looking and walked straight into a tree. I walked right into a mob of maybe 50 young white guys. You walked right into that one!
Julia got straight A’s (=all A’s) in high school. They ran straight across the road (=without stopping). David went to bed straight after (=immediately after) supper. (=straight in front) The river is eight miles away dead ahead.
The river is eight miles away dead ahead. He stared straight ahead.· The honest answer is that I don’t know.
· The countryside around here is dead flat all the way to the sea.
(=make sure that what you say or believe is correct)· You should get your facts straight before making accusations.
· a girl with long straight hair
Draw a straight line across the top of the page. Light travels in a straight line. I saw Fiona in the street yesterday and she looked straight through me.· Her nose was long, straight and elegant.
(=used to emphasize that someone passes close to you and does not stop) Monica hurried straight past me and down the steps.
Monica hurried straight past me and down the steps. (=talk about the most important thing immediately)· I haven't got much time so let's get straight to the point.
(=with your back straight)· Sit up straight at the table, Maddie.
Stand up straight and don’t slouch! Sandra took to it straight away. The bullet passed straight through his skull. Carry on straight through the village. He drove straight through a red light. Zeke wasn’t looking and walked straight into a tree. I walked right into a mob of maybe 50 young white guys. You walked right into that one!PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► high-backed/straight-backed/low-backed etc► (straight/right) from the horse’s mouth► put somebody straight/right► put something straight
- She was frigid and strait-laced and therefore somewhat ill-equipped to keep me on the straight and narrow.
- This will help you, both physically and psychologically, to get back on to the straight and narrow.
- You may be able to keep us to the straight and narrow.
- "I think I've lost that camera you lent me," I said, trying to keep a straight face.
- Barbara tried to keep a straight face, but in the end she just couldn't help laughing.
- He looked so ridiculous -- I don't know how I managed to keep a straight face.
- She looked so ridiculous it was hard to keep a straight face.
- When reading some of the competition entries, it was hard to keep a straight face.
- With a completely straight face, Thomas announced he was joining the Girl Guides.
- For the first hundred yards we keep straight faces.
- How can you say that and keep a straight face?
- I keep a straight face and the composure of a chemist dispensing a prescription.
- I try and keep a straight face, but I can't help grinning at myself.
- It was very difficult to keep a straight face.
- The old trick of keeping a straight face was failing him these days.
- He gives it to you straight.
- Listen, Dan, let me give it to you straight, as I see it.
- Cloughie probably gets closest to it - not he himself but the No. 9 seems to have his head screwed on.
- She seemed to have her head screwed on right, even if she was a girl.
- Said he was as stiff as a ramrod and would get nowhere, but he's pretty hard on people anyway.
- Having set the record straight there is a paradox.
- He sets the record straight by a thorough reconsideration of Addison's Cato, that tragedy constantly overrated at the time.
- I want to set the record straight.
- Or a desire to put the record straight?
- Taylor was given the perfect platform to set the record straight at yesterday's press conference.
- They have a duty to set the record straight, otherwise they are conniving at falsehood.
- Someone had to set Dave straight on company policies and procedures.
- He was so dazed by all he had just been through that he couldn't think straight.
- I - I can't think straight.
- One could never think straight when the body's ills took all one's attention.
- Since that day she had not been able to sleep, or to think straight.
- Sooner or later he would be too exhausted to think straight and would give up the fight against himself.
- The buzz made it hard to think straight.
- Then she might - just might - be able to think straight.
- You are horrified, you can not think straight, as you stare at the broken body.
WORD FAMILYnounstraightadjectivestraightverbstraightenadverbstraight
1[singular] especially British English the straight part of a racetrack2the straight and narrow old-fashioned an honest and morally good way of life3[countable] informal someone who is attracted to people of the opposite sex OPP gay