Straighten things out meaning in English
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Definition
to straighten things out: to resolve problems, situations, issues
I'm going to straighten some things out with my lawyer. There are a few problems I need to resolve.
Examples
- "Hopefully we can straighten this thing out."
Exercise 1
Mick says to Bruno "hopefully we can straighten this thing out". What does he mean?
Mick says to Bruno "hopefully we can straighten this thing out". What does he mean?
This is not what this idiom expresses. Mick is expressing his desire to resolve or improve the situation with Warbuckle's Department Stores in Australia, not that he will force Warbuckle to understand his perspective.
The expression "to straighten something out" or "to straighten things out" expresses that something (a problem, a situation, a misunderstanding) will be resolved.
This is not what this idiom expresses. Do not confuse this idiom with the expression "I'll be straight with you" which expresses a sense of honesty or directness on the part of the speaker.
This expression "to straighten something out" does not express the act of "putting someone out of business". To put someone out of business is to effectively end someone's business (by competing with them, for example).
Exercise 2
"I am sending you straight back to the IT department."
Choose the sentences that use "straight" correctly. There may be more than 1!
Choose the sentences that use "straight" correctly. There may be more than 1!
"I am sending you straight back to the IT department."
Choose the sentences that use "straight" correctly. There may be more than 1!
Choose the sentences that use "straight" correctly. There may be more than 1!
This is incorrect. Don't confuse "straight" with "sharp". A "straight" knife is one which is not curved, a "sharp" knife cuts easily.
This statement uses the term (adverb) "straight" correctly. To "(go) straight (to a place)" is to go without detour or delay. Bruno says that he is sending Jean "straight back to the IT department", meaning that he wants Jean to return immediately to the IT department.
This is incorrect. The verb "to straighten" should be used instead of "to straight". "To straighten something out" is to resolve a problem. There is no such verb as "to straight".
This statement uses the term "straight" correctly. To "stand (up) straight" is to stand in a manner so that the back is fully upright, without any curves. A "straight (level)" refers to a level which is fully even, for example: That picture on the wall doesn't look straight, it is higher on the right than the left.
This statement uses the term "straight" correctly. As an adjective, "straight" can mean successive, consecutive or without interruption, for example: For 5 days straight I heard the same mysterious noise coming from the bedroom. As well as the common definitions of "straight" (having no deviations or curves), the adjective can also mean "honest" ("I'll be straight with you") or even "not homosexual" ("Both gay and straight men are invited").
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