walk a straight line

Definitions

1. To behave in a proper and lawful manner; to obey the rules and expectations of society.
2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see walk, straight, line.

Examples

“What if your mate forgives you and your broken promise⟳? I know⟳ we've all heard statements from our mates such as: "Baby, don't worry⟳ about it. I forgive⟳ you. Let'x move⟳ on!” Well, here's the question⟳, should we accept⟳ this statement as the truth; or should we keep⟳ in the back of our minds that the damage⟳ is already done? Here's when you must begin⟳ to walk⟳ a straight line continuously.”

“He expected a felonious client, rewarded with four and a quarter million instead of jail time, to be grateful and thereafter to walk⟳ a straight line.”

“He wanted to do the right thing. He was trying his hardest to walk⟳ a straight line and stay⟳ out of the game, but nobody was willing to give⟳ him a break⟳.”

“You've read⟳ about this phenomenon, how people who are loast in the woods believe⟳ they are walking a straight line sometimes will keep⟳ veering off in one direction and eventually walk⟳ in a circle that brings them very close⟳ to where they started.”

CEFR level