English Reference

Phrasal verb

straighten out

Definition

phrasal verb. to fix a problem or make a confusing situation clear. You can also use it when you help someone improve their bad behavior.

phrasal verb. to resolve a complication, clarify a misunderstanding, or correct a person's problematic behavior. The verb is transitive and can be used both literally and figuratively.

Examples

“We need to straighten out this billing error.”

“It took several hours of discussion to finally straighten out the misunderstanding between the two departments.”

“The new manager was hired specifically to straighten out the company's chaotic accounting practices before the annual audit began.”

Examples

simple

“We need to straighten out this billing error.”

contextual

“It took several hours of discussion to finally straighten out the misunderstanding between the two departments.”

complex

“The new manager was hired specifically to straighten out the company's chaotic accounting practices before the annual audit began.”

Usage

often takes an abstract noun like 'mess', 'problem', or 'confusion' as its object.

Teaching tip

use the physical image of 'making a bent wire straight' to help students visualize the transition from a 'messy/crooked' situation to a 'clear/straight' one.

Pitfall

I need to straighten out of this mess.

I need to straighten out this mess.

the phrasal verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'of'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

out

Separability

optional

Pattern

straighten + (object) + out

Synonyms

resolveclarifyfixsort out

Antonyms

complicateconfusemuddle

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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