1 B1 idiomatic informal
To resolve a misunderstanding, confusion, or complicated situation.
"Let me call the bank and straighten out this billing error."
separable
straighten out
B1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To resolve a confused situation, correct a misunderstanding, or improve someone's behavior.
In plain English
To fix something that is messy or confusing, or to help someone stop doing bad things.
What does "straighten out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To correct someone's behavior or attitude, or to help someone get their life in order.
"His time in the military really straightened him out after a difficult adolescence."
separable
3 A2 neutral
To make something physically straight after it has been bent or curved.
"She straightened out the bent wire until it was flat."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something that is bent or curved into a straight line — the metaphor extends to 'unbending' problems.
Actually means
To fix something that is messy or confusing, or to help someone stop doing bad things.
Usage tip
Can be used for objects (making something physically straight), situations (resolving confusion), or people (correcting behavior). The behavioral sense can sound authoritative or parental.
Words that pair with "straighten out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
misunderstanding confusion problem details finances behavior
How to conjugate "straighten out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
straighten out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
straightens out
he/she/it
Past simple
straightened out
yesterday
Past participle
straightened out
have + pp
-ing form
straightening out
continuous
Hear "straighten out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "straighten out"
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