set the record straight

Meaning: To correct a mistaken account or misunderstanding.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Example: “The actor gave an interview to set the record straight about the rumors.”

Category: Daily Life

Origin: The "record" is a written account of events. The phrase is common from the 20th century.

Equivalents in other languages

French: Remettre les pendules à l'heure — literally: To set the clocks back to the right time

a damp squib — Something expected to be impressive that turns out a disappointment.
no contest — Said when one side is clearly better and there is no real competition.
don't shoot the messenger — Don't blame the person who brings bad news.
as old as Methuselah — Extremely old.
ugly as sin — Very ugly.
the sandman is coming — It's time to sleep; someone is getting sleepy.

slow and steady wins the race — Patience and persistence succeed better than haste.
go by shanks' mare — To walk; to travel on foot.
like a duck to water — Naturally and easily, as if born to it.
kill the goose that lays the golden eggs — To destroy a source of profit out of greed.
with one's tail between one's legs — Humiliated and defeated.
have a foot in both camps — To be involved with two opposing sides at once.