straight and narrow

noun

1. the way of virtuous or proper conduct.

   After his release from prison, he resolved to follow the straight and narrow.

straight and narrow

noun

1. informal,  the proper, honest, and moral path of behaviour

Word History and Origins

Origin of straight and narrow¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Word History and Origins

Origin of straight and narrow¹

perhaps an alteration of strait and narrow, an allusion to Matthew 7:14: ``strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life''

Example Sentences

It’s a hint to think about the risks of straying from the straight and narrow, and the hellfire that comes with a slip.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In those days, the manager not only kept the players on the straight and narrow, but also acted as a figurehead.

Read more on BBC

Rashford has taken a significant stride on that road to redemption - now can he use the Barcelona stage to finally put his career back on the straight and narrow?

Read more on BBC

He’s such a good guy, and we’re both on the straight and narrow.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Nothing like a close call, a brush with doom, to scare you into staying on the straight and narrow.

Read more on Salon