🗓️ Idiom: Stay on the Straight and Narrow (v)
💬 Meaning
- To behave honestly and follow the rules.
- To stay on the right path without making mistakes.
🧠 Example Sentences
- After his warning, he promised to stay on the straight and narrow.
- The company wants all employees to stay on the straight and narrow with expenses.
- It’s hard to stay on the straight and narrow when there is so much temptation.
🏛️ Origin
This phrase likely comes from the Bible, where “straight and narrow” refers to a narrow path that leads to heaven, symbolising good and honest behaviour.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
After the scandal, the CEO vowed to __________ in all business dealings.
Answer
stay on the straight and narrow
2. Choose the correct meaning of “stay on the straight and narrow”:
A) To take a shortcut
B) To behave honestly and follow rules
C) To walk a difficult path
Answer
B) To behave honestly and follow rules
3. Change the sentence using “be on the straight and narrow”:
“He promised to act honestly and not break any laws.”
Answer
He promised to stay on the straight and narrow.
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