put/set somebody straight

put straight

1. To straighten something or make something properly arranged; to fix, correct, or make amends for something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "put" and "straight." There are a few details in this contract we need to put straight before I'm ready to sign it. Tom's brother really made a mess of things with the company, but there's still time to put things straight. I've just got to put my marriage straight before I can think of doing anything else.2. To correct someone's attitude, belief, or behavior; to make sure someone understands something correctly. A noun or pronoun is used between "put" and "straight. I had to put Stephen straight after I realized that he'd been operating the machinery wrong this whole time. Helen told me she thought the moon landing was faked, so I had to put her straight!3. To correct one's own attitude, mindset, or behavior; to make oneself feel, behave, or think correctly. A reflexive pronoun is used between "put" and "straight." I know you're upset, but you need to put yourself straight before we go into that courtroom. Sorry, this whole situation has gotten me all flustered. I just need a minute to put myself straight. He's an addict, so he needs to put himself straight with a fix or he won't be able to function.See also: put, straight

set someone straight

to make certain that someone understands something exactly. (Often said in anger or domination.) Please set me straight on this matter. Do you or do you not accept the responsibility for the accident? I set her straight about who she had to ask for permission to leave early.See also: set, straight

set something straight

 and put something straightto figure out and correct something; to straighten out a mess. I am sorry for the error. I am sure we can set it straight. We'll put this matter straight in a short time.See also: set, straight

set straight

Correct someone by providing accurate information; also, make an arrangement honest or fair. For example, Let me set you straight about Lisa; she's never actually worked for us, or To set matters straight I'll pay you back Monday. It is sometimes put as set the record straight, meaning "correct an inaccurate account," as in Just to set the record straight, we arrived at ten. [First half of 1900s] See also: set, straight

put/set somebody ˈstraight (about/on something)

make sure that somebody is not mistaken about the real facts in a situation: He thought I was a doctor of medicine, so I put him straight and told him I was a doctor of philosophy. OPPOSITE: lead somebody to believe (that...)See also: put, set, somebody, straight

set (someone) straight

To inform (someone) of the truth of a situation.See also: set, straight