# straight and narrow

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/straight-and-narrow
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A path of honesty; a procedure according to rules and plans.

## Examples

- He decided to walk the straight and narrow from now on.
- After getting into trouble as a teenager, he chose to follow the straight and narrow to build a better life.
- Despite the immense pressure to cut corners for profit, the company leadership insisted on staying on the straight and narrow to maintain their reputation.

## Origin

Probably "strait and narrow," from Matthew 7:14. (disputed)

---

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.