play it straight
To behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You should play it straight if you want people to trust you.”
“The lawyer advised his client to play it straight during the police interview to avoid further trouble.”
“Despite the immense pressure to manipulate the figures for a better outcome, the accountant decided to play it straight and report the losses accurately.”
- 01
child's play
Something particularly easy or simple.
- 02
damn straight
Without doubt, certainly, for sure.
- 03
draw a straight furrow
To live correctly or ethically, without deviating from the right line of duty.
- 04
get one's head straight
To clear one's mind; to think clearly.
- 05
get one's priorities straight
Synonym of get one's act together.
- 06
get straight
Synonym of clarify: to make clear, to reach an understanding.
- 07
go play in the traffic
To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.
- 08
go straight
To discontinue engaging in criminal acts; to become a law-abiding person.
Last updated August 10, 2026