襟(えり)を正(ただ)す

えりをただす
expression
to straighten up; to take a serious attitude
idiompersonality
1. to straighten oneself up; to resolve to act properly
Literally to straighten one's collar: to correct one's attitude and behave with new seriousness, often after a scandal or a reminder of one's responsibilities.
襟(えり)を正(ただ)して話(はなし)を聞(き)く。
I listen with a serious, attentive attitude.
今回(こんかい)の不祥事(ふしょうじ)を受(う)け、社員(しゃいん)一同(いちどう)襟(えり)を正(ただ)します。
In light of this scandal, all of us at the company will set ourselves straight.
先輩(せんぱい)の真剣(しんけん)な姿(すがた)を見(み)て、自分(じぶん)も襟(えり)を正(ただ)さなければならないと思(おも)った。
Seeing how seriously my senior took the work, I felt I had to straighten up too.

Usage

Common in apologies by companies, politicians and officials (襟(えり)を正(ただ)して職務(しょくむ)に当(あ)たる), where it promises better conduct from now on. In personal use it means being moved to act more seriously by someone's example or words.

Common collocations

  • 襟(えり)を正(ただ)して取(と)り組(く)む: to tackle something with renewed seriousness
  • 改(あらた)めて襟(えり)を正(ただ)す: to straighten up once more

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 反省(はんせい)する (to reflect on one's mistakes.)
general
Added 2026.10.5 4:19 · Revised 2026.10.5 4:22
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