🚀 Going Straight: From Following Rules to Finding Orientation 🎯
The phrase “go straight” may seem straightforward, but it packs a double punch with its dual meanings. Let’s dissect its layered complexity:
Definition and Origins
-
To become a law-abiding person after being a criminal:
- Era: Dates from the 1500s
- Sense: “Straight” as honest, the antithesis of “crooked” (dishonest).
- Example: “That time in detention convinced her to go straight from now on.”
-
To become heterosexual:
- Era: Emerged in the 1900s
- Sense: “Straight” as heterosexual, opposing “gay” or any other sexual orientation.
Synonyms and Related Expressions
- Law-abiding transformation: Turn over a new leaf, mend one’s ways, clean slate.
- Sexual orientation shift: None—this is quite a unique phrase within its context.
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “He decided to ‘go straight,’ but only from Monday to Friday. Weekends are for fun.” -Anonymous
Proverbs and Common Expressions
- Law-abiding context: Every saint has a past, every sinner has a future.
- Orientation context: Not commonly affiliated with general proverbs due to its contemporary usage.
Literature, Books, and Movies
- Law-abiding context:
- O. Henry’s short stories: His reformed rascals are often eager to “go straight.”
- Shawshank Redemption: An excellent depiction of the journey to redemption.
- Orientation context:
- Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman
- Brokeback Mountain: Explores identity in the context of sexual orientation.
Quizzes
### Which phrase correctly uses "going straight" in its older sense?
- [x] After his last heist, he decided to go straight.
- [ ] After college, he went straight into the workforce.
- [ ] She was tired of dating women and decided to go straight.
- [ ] Their business went straight after hiring the new manager.
> **Explanation:** "Going straight" in the older sense refers to abandoning a life of crime, hence the first option.
### Which usage context emerged first?
- [x] To live an honest, law-abiding life.
- [ ] To become heterosexual.
> **Explanation:** The concept of "going straight" as in becoming honest is older, dating back to the 1500s. The orientation sense is from the 1900s.
### True or False: "Going straight" has the same historical context and chronological origin.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** As a phrase "going straight" has two different contexts—living honestly (1500s) and being heterosexual (1900s).
### Which book depicts a character who's motivated to "go straight" after a life of crime?
- [x] *The Shawshank Redemption*
- [ ] *Wuthering Heights*
- [ ] *Moby-Dick*
- [ ] *Catch-22*
> **Explanation:** *The Shawshank Redemption* depicts characters looking for a way out of crime to lead honest lives.
### Which is a synonym for "going straight" in the law-abiding sense?
- [x] Turn over a new leaf
- [ ] Working hard
- [ ] Snapping out of it
- [ ] Becoming trustworthy
> **Explanation:** "Turn over a new leaf" closely mirrors the idea of abandoning past wrongdoings.
As we part ways on this foray into the complex world of clichés and idioms, remember: we’re all aimlessly stitching phrases together to make sense of our sprawling, inconsistent natures. “Going straight” is just one thread in that intricate woven tapestry.
Catch you on the straight and narrow!
—W. T. Wittywords
