straight arrow
Definition
Noun: A person who is consistently frank, honest, and morally upright, often adhering strictly to conventional rules and standards of behavior. This term typically implies a lack of pretense, deceit, or scandalous conduct.
Usage
The term "straight arrow" is used to describe a person whose character is defined by integrity and straightforwardness. It often carries a connotation of being somewhat conventional, predictable, or even rigid in their honesty and morality. It can be used in both positive (admiring) and slightly negative (implying dullness) contexts, depending on tone.
Examples
- Everyone knew him as a straight arrow who would never lie on a report.
- In a company plagued by scandals, she was considered the straight arrow who always followed the rules.
- His straight-arrow image made him a trustworthy public figure.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used attributively (before a noun) with a hyphen, as in "straight-arrow cop" or "straight-arrow reputation."
- It often implies a contrast with others who are less scrupulous, corrupt, or flamboyant.
Variants and Related Words
- Straight shooter (noun): A very similar idiom meaning a frank and honest person.
- Upright (adjective): Marked by strong moral principles.
- Righteous (adjective): Morally right or justifiable (can have stronger, sometimes religious, connotations).
Synonyms
- Person of integrity
- Upstanding citizen
- Honest person
- Principled individual
Antonyms
- Crook
- Scoundrel
- Deceiver
- Rogue
Related Idioms
- To be on the straight and narrow: To live an honest and morally upright life, often after a period of wrongdoing. (This idiom shares the "straight" imagery but focuses on the of behavior rather than describing the person directly.)
- After his release from prison, he was determined to stay on the straight and narrow.
Noun
-
a frank and honest person
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