straighten out
Britishverb
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to make or become less complicated or confused
the situation will straighten out
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to reform or become reformed
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Clear up disorder, a confusion, or a misunderstanding, as in This is an awful mess; I hope you'll straighten it out , or I don't understand; please straighten me out . [Late 1800s]
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Adopt an honest, upright course, as in He's only sixteen; I'm sure he'll straighten out before long . [First half of 1900s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In my mid-20s, I decided I needed to straighten out my life.
From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2024
Determined to straighten out his life while maintaining his activism, Kramer co-founded Jail Guitar Doors USA, based on a British charity that provided inmates with musical instruments.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 9, 2024
“Whether it’s Republican or Democrat, or liberal or conservative, it would be so nice if we could come together and straighten out the world.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 16, 2024
He hopes the worst is behind him as he tries to straighten out a career gone sideways.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 8, 2023
“I hold a high position in the party. I’ll straighten out this misunderstanding.”
From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
