English Reference
Idiom idiom

set the record straight


To correct a previous error or misunderstanding, especially one in print.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

“I need to set the record straight about what happened yesterday.”

CONTEXTUAL

“The newspaper published a false story, so the company issued a statement to set the record straight.”

COMPLEX

“After years of enduring rumors about his departure, he finally published a memoir to set the record straight regarding the true reasons for his resignation.”


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all set

    Ready, prepared, equipped.

  2. 02

    broken record

    Someone or something that constantly repeats itself, causing annoyance.

  3. 03

    damn straight

    Without doubt, certainly, for sure.

  4. 04

    draw a straight furrow

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

  5. 05

    game, set, match

    An expression indicating finality, announcing that a series of events—usually involving some form of rivalry—has reached a conclusion.

  6. 06

    get one's head straight

    To clear one's mind; to think clearly.

  7. 07

    get one's priorities straight

    Synonym of get one's act together.

  8. 08

    get straight

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

Last updated August 10, 2026