play it straight



play it straight

To do something in a completely serious, straightforward manner, without any kind of jocosity, foolishness, duplicity, deception, etc. I started dating Samantha because I loved her sense of humor and her chilled out manner, but I wish she would play it straight with me about what she thinks about our relationship. I'm tired of playing it straight; from now on, if there's an easy way to make a buck, I'm going to exploit it!
See also: play, straight

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Linn[lin]
KevynKEV-inEnglish (Rare)
Mavutomah-VOO-toSouthern African, Chewa
BrookBRUWKEnglish
Hassan['ha:sən]
Melaniame-LAHN-yah (Polish)Italian, Spanish, Polish, Late Roman