1

play it straight

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To behave in a manner that is straightforward, honest, or sincere.

"The position you'd put me in would be this—of playing a game—and a jolly important game at that—in which the loser loses to me on purpose. . . . If we're going to play a game," he continued, addressing Davenant, before the latter had time to speak, "for Heaven's sake let us play it straight—like men. Let the winner win and the loser lose—"

2

play it straight

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To perform a role in a manner that is not comedic or exaggerated.

And how can you not admire a man who could star in a stinker like Battlestar Galactica—and play it straight?

3

play it straight

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To avoid criminal behavior.

"But the best thing about him is that he always played it straight with us—never double‐dealed, giving us two and keeping one for himself."

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    "play it straight." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Apr. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/idioms/play-it-straight>.

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