the straight and narrow
a morally correct way of life
TRANSLATION
the straight and narrow = sittenstreng, sich anständig benehmen; "Pfad der Tugend" ---- How important is this English word? the straight and narrow: 712,000 Google Hits
STATISTICS
IN THE PRESS
Many of Williams' friends from teenage years spent roaming the rough streets of South London are now in prison or dead.
If he suffered temptation to stray from an honest path, his new faith helped keep him on THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW
(www.thisislondon.co.uk)
If he suffered temptation to stray from an honest path, his new faith helped keep him on THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW
(www.thisislondon.co.uk)
Did you
know?
The straight and narrow
idiomatic phrase
1. the way of proper conduct and moral integrity.
2. honest and upright way of living.
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Word History
This expression is widely thought to come from the alteration of strait (narrow) to straight (not crooked), owing to a misinterpretation of a New Testament passage: “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life” (Matthew 7:14). The current phrase dates only from the first half of the 1800s.
Straight and narrow also accurately describes the philosophy of the Puritans, a group of people who grew discontent with the Church of England. The Puritans, who worked towards religious, moral and societal reforms, felt persecuted by the Church of England and the King of England and eventually left the country for America in the 17th century.
Many of the conservative protestant religions found in the United States today were greatly influenced by the teachings of the Puritans, who emphasised strict adherence the Bible, especially the New Testament.
IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS TODAY
Say something like:
"We maintain the highest professional standards - keep on the straight and narrow and you'll do well in this organisation."
idiomatic phrase
1. the way of proper conduct and moral integrity.
2. honest and upright way of living.
---
Word History
This expression is widely thought to come from the alteration of strait (narrow) to straight (not crooked), owing to a misinterpretation of a New Testament passage: “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life” (Matthew 7:14). The current phrase dates only from the first half of the 1800s.
Straight and narrow also accurately describes the philosophy of the Puritans, a group of people who grew discontent with the Church of England. The Puritans, who worked towards religious, moral and societal reforms, felt persecuted by the Church of England and the King of England and eventually left the country for America in the 17th century.
Many of the conservative protestant religions found in the United States today were greatly influenced by the teachings of the Puritans, who emphasised strict adherence the Bible, especially the New Testament.
IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS TODAY
Say something like:
"We maintain the highest professional standards - keep on the straight and narrow and you'll do well in this organisation."
