Origin of Phrases - S
Straight and narrow
Meaning: To stay out of trouble.
Example: Ever since getting out of jail on bond I have been on the straight and narrow.
Origin: This phrase comes from the Bible and describes the path to heaven. Matthew 7:14 to be exact: "Broad is the way that is the path of destruction but narrow is the gate and straight is the way which leadeth to the house of God."
A second reference to it is in John Bunyan's book "The Pilgrim's Progress". In it, Pilgrim, the representative of the Everyman, must follow the "straight & narrow".
A third comes from John the Baptist: "Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make his path straight."