A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

straight actor • straight man
straight actor —an actor performing in theatrical productions
of the ordinary type (as opposed to a “character actor” per-
forming in comedies, etc.): The character-actors have no
doubt an easier task than the “straight” actors.
straight man —
1
. an actor who makes remarks or creates sit-
uations for the main performer to make jokes about: In vaude-
ville and burlesque a straight man works as a “feeder” with
the comedians. 2. (sl.) a heterosexual man: John Ritter was a
straight man who played at being gay. His life story did make
the mind boggle.
straight as a poker • straight as an arrow
straight as a poker —(of posture) rigid; erect (also: stiff as a
poker): He didn’t look a broken-down old man either: straight
as a poker, and life enough in him yet.
straight as an arrow —
1
. following a straight line: You won’t
get lost if you keep to the track. It’s as straight as an arrow.
2. = straight as a poker: He stood tall, straight as an arrow,
handsome, broad-shouldered. 3. honest and moral: He was
straight as an arrow. He never lied nor did he ever run away
from controversy. 4. (sl.) a heterosexual man: He is as straight
as an arrow! He just likes to have facials done!
straight drink • straight drinking
straight drink —(of strong liquor) consumed neat or undi-
luted: This tequila is fast becoming very popular because it is
both a superb mixer and a “straight” drink.
straight drinking —heavy drinking unhindered by dancing,
entertainment, etc.: If you’re up for straight drinking, go to
an izakaya, usually explained as a Japanese pub.
straight off • straight out
straight off —(also: straight away) at once; without delay:
The butler went straight off to Granny, and gave her notice;
and she actually raised his wages, and prayed him to stop.
straight out—frankly; without reservation: I always know if
he’s worried but he never tells me the details straight out. It
sometimes slips out in conversation when the crisis is over.