ENGLISH
REFERENCE

play it straight

idiom
Meaning

To behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere.


Examples
SIMPLE

You should play it straight if you want people to trust you.

CONTEXTUAL

The lawyer advised his client to play it straight during the police interview to avoid further trouble.

COMPLEX

Despite the immense pressure to manipulate the figures for a better outcome, the accountant decided to play it straight and report the losses accurately.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    child's play

    Something particularly easy or simple.

  2. 02

    damn straight

    Without doubt, certainly, for sure.

  3. 03

    draw a straight furrow

    To live correctly or ethically, without deviating from the right line of duty.

  4. 04

    get one's head straight

    To clear one's mind; to think clearly.

  5. 05

    get one's priorities straight

    Synonym of get one's act together.

  6. 06

    get straight

    Synonym of clarify: to make clear, to reach an understanding.

  7. 07

    go play in the traffic

    To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.

  8. 08

    go straight

    To discontinue engaging in criminal acts; to become a law-abiding person.

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