to make or become less complicated or confused: the situation will straighten out
2.
(US & Canadian) to reform or become reformed
straighten
/ˈstreɪtən/
verb sometimes foll by up or out
1.
to make or become straight
2.
(transitive) to make neat or tidy: straighten your desk
Derived Forms
straightener, noun
Word Origin and History for straighten out
straighten
v.
1540s, from straight + -en (1). Related: Straightened; straightening.
Idioms and Phrases with straighten out
straighten out
.
Clear up disorder, a confusion, or a misunderstanding, as in This is an awful mess; I hope you'll straighten it out, or I don't understand; please straighten me out. [ Late 1800s ]
.
Adopt an honest, upright course, as in He's only sixteen; I'm sure he'll straighten out before long. [ First half of 1900s ]