# straighten out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/straighten-out
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I need to straighten out of this mess." but "I need to straighten out this mess." — the phrasal verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'of'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.