scare straight
To frighten (someone) to such a degree that a significant improvement in behavior results.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The judge tried to scare the teenager straight.”
“After the boy was caught stealing, his parents took him to the police station hoping to scare him straight.”
“The mentor hoped that showing the youth the harsh reality of prison life would finally scare him straight before he ruined his future.”
- 01
damn straight
Without doubt, certainly, for sure.
- 02
draw a straight furrow
To live correctly or ethically, without deviating from the right line of duty.
- 03
get one's head straight
To clear one's mind; to think clearly.
- 04
get one's priorities straight
Synonym of get one's act together.
- 05
get straight
Synonym of clarify: to make clear, to reach an understanding.
- 06
go straight
To discontinue engaging in criminal acts; to become a law-abiding person.
- 07
keep straight
To avoid confusing or mixing up something; to keep something clear or organized.
- 08
play it straight
To behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere.
Last updated August 10, 2026