Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make oneself stand or sit in a straight, upright, and formal posture, often to appear more alert, respectful, or dignified.

Usage

This verb is a phrasal verb. It is used to describe the action of correcting one's posture, typically by pulling the shoulders back and aligning the spine. It often implies a conscious effort to appear more formal, attentive, or respectable, especially in a social or hierarchical context.

Examples

• Verb:

Advanced Usage

• "to straighten up and fly right": An idiomatic expression meaning to start behaving properly or responsibly.

Variants and Related Words

• Straighten (verb): To make something straight or orderly (e.g., , ). Note: This is the base verb without the particle "up."
• Straighten out (phrasal verb): To resolve a problem or misunderstanding; to make something correct or functional.

Synonyms

• Stand up straight: To adopt an upright posture.
• Draw oneself up: To pull oneself erect, often in a proud or formal manner. (This is a close synonym from the reference context.)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Clean up (one's act): To improve one's behavior or habits, similar to the idiomatic use of "straighten up."

Related Idioms

• Sit up straight: A common instruction to correct sitting posture.

Verb

1. straighten oneself
   • He drew himself up when he talked to his superior