Set the record straight Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈsɛt/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹɛkɝd/, /ɹəˈkɔɹd/, /ɹɪˈkɔɹd/ /ˈstɹeɪt

SET thuh or thee REK-erd or rih-KAWRD STRAYT

UK

sˈɛt/ /ðə, ði/ /ˈɹɛkɔːd/ /stɹˈeɪt

SET thuh or thee REK-awd STRAYT

Definition

To correct a misunderstanding or give the true facts about something that has been misunderstood or misrepresented.

Usage & Nuances

This is an idiomatic, somewhat formal expression. Common in discussions where rumors or confusion need to be addressed. Often follows phrases like "let me" or "I want to." Avoid using literally for physical records.

• Spanish: aclarar las cosas - dejar las cosas claras
• Portuguese (BR): esclarecer a verdade - esclarecer os fatos
• Portuguese (PT): esclarecer a verdade - esclarecer os factos
• Chinese (Simplified): 澄清事实 - 纠正误会
• Chinese (Traditional): 澄清事實 - 糾正誤會
• Hindi: सच्चाई स्पष्ट करना - तथ्य स्पष्ट करना
• Arabic: توضيح الحقيقة - تصحيح السجّل
• Bengali: সত্য ঘটনা প্রকাশ করা - স্পষ্ট করে বলা
• Russian: внести ясность - прояснить ситуацию
• Japanese: 誤解を解く - 真実を明らかにする
• Vietnamese: làm rõ sự thật - đính chính
• Korean: 오해를 바로잡다 - 사실을 바로 말하다
• Turkish: gerçeği açıklığa kavuşturmak - yanlış anlamayı düzeltmek
• Urdu: حقیقت واضح کرنا - غلط فہمی دور کرنا
• Indonesian: meluruskan fakta - mengklarifikasi

Example Sentences

I want to set the record straight about what happened yesterday.

basic

She called everyone to set the record straight.

basic

Let me set the record straight: I was not at the meeting.

basic

Rumors are spreading, so it's time to set the record straight.

natural

He went on TV to set the record straight once and for all.

natural

Before we move on, can I just set the record straight about my role on this project?

natural