straight and narrow
noun
: the way of propriety and rectitude —used with the
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web When we were tempted to stray—as some of us inevitably were—fear kept everyone on the straight and narrow. 
Gregg Opelka, WSJ, 26 July 2022 There’s this notion of the straight and narrow and the boxes people want to put you in. San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2022 In this animated film, a wolf, python, shark, piranha and tarantula set out to rehab their images and walk the straight and narrow instead. Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, 10 May 2022 Throwing off sparks like a Roman candle, Jackman turns the character into a romantic hero who just needs the love of a good woman to set him on the straight and narrow. Charles Mcnultytheater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2022 Dewey gets in trouble at school, so Ata tags in Andre the Giant to help set him on the straight and narrow. Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2022 In retrospect, Louisville's pursuit of a new basketball coach appears to have followed a straight and narrow path to Kenny Payne. Tim Sullivan, The Courier-Journal, 18 Mar. 2022 Shortly after Michael’s release, tragedy strikes and while the family desires retribution, Michael stays devoted to staying on the straight and narrow (so far). Scott King, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2021 Will, preferring the straight and narrow, joined the Marines. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 8 Apr. 2022 See More
Gregg Opelka, WSJ, 26 July 2022 There’s this notion of the straight and narrow and the boxes people want to put you in. San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2022 In this animated film, a wolf, python, shark, piranha and tarantula set out to rehab their images and walk the straight and narrow instead. Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, 10 May 2022 Throwing off sparks like a Roman candle, Jackman turns the character into a romantic hero who just needs the love of a good woman to set him on the straight and narrow. Charles Mcnultytheater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2022 Dewey gets in trouble at school, so Ata tags in Andre the Giant to help set him on the straight and narrow. Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2022 In retrospect, Louisville's pursuit of a new basketball coach appears to have followed a straight and narrow path to Kenny Payne. Tim Sullivan, The Courier-Journal, 18 Mar. 2022 Shortly after Michael’s release, tragedy strikes and while the family desires retribution, Michael stays devoted to staying on the straight and narrow (so far). Scott King, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2021 Will, preferring the straight and narrow, joined the Marines. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 8 Apr. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
probably alteration of strait and narrow; from the admonition of Matthew 7:14 (King James Version), "strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life"
First Known Use
1930, in the meaning defined above
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