Definition of straighten out

The phrase "straighten out" is a common English idiom used to describe the act of resolving a confusion, complication, or disorder. The exact origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have roots in two distinct sources. One possible origin can be traced back to the Navy during the 19th century, where seamen used the phrase "straigh'ten yards" to refer to straightening the ropes and rigging on a ship. This phrase was later phonetically adapted to "straighten out" and applied to other situations where order and alignment were important, such as organizing a room or correcting a wrong. Another possible origin stems from the mid-19th century printing industry, where compositors used the term "straightening" to describe arranging the metal type into a straight line, ready for printing. This usage can be traced back to the Dutch "rechtein," which means "make straight," and is believed to have influenced the development of the English term. Whichever origin is correct, it is clear that "straighten out" has come to represent a broad range of sense-making and problem-solving contexts, where clarity, coherence, and alignment are important. Its evolution reflects the evolution of human innovation and technology, which increasingly require people to "straighten out" the constellations that make our lives and communities safe, productive, and meaningful.