Definition
To behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere.
To perform a role in a manner that is not comedic or exaggerated.
To avoid criminal behavior.
In Context
- ""The position you'd put me in would be this—of playing a game—and a jolly important game at that—in which the loser loses to me on purpose. . . . If we're going to play a game," he continued, addressing Davenant, before the latter had time to speak, "for Heaven's sake let us play it straight—like men. Let the winner win and the loser lose—""
- "He added, "I think the American people want a President who will play it straight in foreign policy, tell them the truth.""
- "And how can you not admire a man who could star in a stinker like Battlestar Galactica—and play it straight?"
- "Peter Schickele, the musical satirist and radio show host whose PDQ Bach Christmas concerts sell out Carnegie Hall each year, is not known for playing it straight."
- ""But the best thing about him is that he always played it straight with us—never double‐dealed, giving us two and keeping one for himself.""
- "Belfort, who made millions on Wall Street before the FBI indicted him and he served nearly two years in federal prison, told the audience he could have made a lot more money if he had played it straight."
- ""They could have made a fortune just playing it straight, but that wasn't enough for them," said Gill. . . . The brothers ultimately pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy and bank fraud."
See Also
- play fair
- play by the rules
- play the game
- straight play
- straight shooter