PhrasesHub

Strait and narrow

    Definitions

      • living a moral and disciplined life
        Referring to the path of righteousness and virtuous living, often with religious connotations

      • facing difficulties and challenges
        Describing a difficult and restrictive situation, often with the implication of enduring hardship

    Examples of Strait and narrow

    • The path to success requires a lot of perseverance and discipline, it can be strict and narrow, but those who follow it will eventually reach their destination.

      This idiom is used to describe a difficult and challenging path that requires strict adherence to rules and values in order to achieve success. The word "strait" comes from the Old English word "strǣt", meaning a narrow water passage, and is used figuratively to describe a narrow or constricted road or path. The word "narrow" emphasizes the difficulty and rigidity of the path, which may be daunting but ultimately leads to success.

    • In order to overcome her addiction, Sarah needed to follow a strict and narrow path. She had to cut out anything that could trigger a relapse and focus all her energy on her recovery.

      This idiom is used to describe a challenging path that requires strict adherence to rules and values in order to achieve a specific goal, in this case, overcoming an addiction. The phrase "strategy and narrow" emphasizes the difficult and narrow road that must be followed in order to achieve success, in this case, recovery from addiction.

    • The teacher led the class down the strict and narrow path of classical literature, teaching them the value of close reading and analysis.

      This idiom is used to describe a teacher's approach to teaching classical literature, where students are led down a narrow and strict path that emphasizes close reading, analysis, and interpretation of the texts. The phrase "strict and narrow" highlights the teacher's method as being focused and disciplined, with a strong emphasis on traditional literary methods and techniques.

    • The Mormon church teaches its members to follow the strict and narrow path of their faith, in order to draw closer to God.

      This idiom is used to describe the Mormon church's beliefs and practices, where members are encouraged to follow a strict and narrow path in order to draw closer to God. The phrase "strict and narrow" emphasizes the discipline and rigidity that Mormon beliefs and practices require, as well as the church's focus on traditional values and beliefs.

    • The path to success is not always easy or wide. It can be a strait and narrow road filled with challenges and hardships.

      This is a metaphorical use of the idiom, as success is not actually a physical location or road. Here, the idiom is used to describe the journey to achieving success as a difficult and narrow path that requires focus and determination.

    • In times of crisis, it can be tempting to follow the crowd and take the easy route. However, making decisions based on fear and panic can lead you down a strait and narrow path that ultimately leads to negative consequences.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe the dangerous path that fear and panic can lead one down during times of crisis. By making decisions based on fear and panic, an individual can mistakenly follow a narrow and difficult path that may ultimately lead to negative consequences.

    • Some people believe that following a strict and disciplined path is the only way to succeed in life. They believe that success is a strait and narrow path that requires an individual to give up all of life's pleasures and comforts.

      This example uses the idiom to describe a belief that success can only be achieved through strict discipline and sacrifice. Here, the idiom is used to describe a narrow and difficult path that requires an individual to make many sacrifices in order to achieve success.

    • In a crowded marketplace, it can be challenging to stand out and make a name for yourself. However, by following a strait and narrow path that focuses on your unique strengths and values, you can carve out a niche for yourself and achieve success.

      This example uses the idiom to describe the process of finding success in a crowded marketplace. By focusing on your unique strengths and values, you can follow a narrow and difficult path that ultimately leads to success. The idiom here describes the idea that success often requires focus and specialization, rather than trying to be everything to everyone.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "strait and narrow" can be used to convey the idea of living a moral and disciplined life, often with religious connotations. It can also be used to describe facing difficulties and challenges, implying enduring hardship and overcoming obstacles.

    Origin of "Strait and narrow"

    The phrase "strait and narrow" is a variation of the original phrase "strait and narrow path," which comes from the Bible, specifically the New Testament. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus speaks of the "strait gate" and the "narrow way" that leads to life, while the "broad way" leads to destruction. This concept has been interpreted to mean the path of righteousness and virtuous living, as well as the hardships and challenges that come with it.

    The use of "strait and narrow" in modern English reflects this biblical origin, conveying the idea of living a moral and disciplined life, as well as facing difficulties and challenges. Over time, the idiom has become a common expression to emphasize the importance of staying on the right path and persevering through hardships.