# play it straight

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/play-it-straight
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.