set to rights

Idioms and Phrases

Also, put to rights . Place in proper condition or order. For example, The caterer promised to set the room to rights before he left , or Don't worry, the lawyer will put the will to rights . These terms date from the second half of the 1600s, although to rights in the sense of “in proper order” was first recorded about 1330. Also see set right .

Example Sentences

But if you thought this story would end with the monster safely defeated and the world set to rights, you’re mistaken.

From New York Times

Nothing is set to rights by the end of the story; Christmas is saved simply because Paddington has made Great Aunt Matilda laugh.

From Seattle Times

When everything was set to rights, I turned to making ready my bed.

From Literature

Poirot, naturally, is not misled, and the world can be set to rights.

From The Guardian

The room was soon set to rights, but it’s a well-known fact that cat puddles stink to high heaven.

From Literature

Related Words

• bring back
• build up
• improve
• modernize
• rebuild
• reconstruct
• recover
• reestablish
• refurbish
• rehabilitate
• reinforce
• reinstate
• renew
• renovate
• repair
• replace
• rescue
• revitalize
• revive
• strengthen