scare straight

Verb

 * 1)  To frighten (someone) to such a degree that a significant improvement in behavior results.
 * 2) * 2006 May 15, "How Bill Put the Fizz in the Fight Against Fat, Time (retrieved 13 Feb 2013) :
 * Slimmed down and scared straight after his bypass surgery, Clinton brokers a deal to get sugary drinks out of schools.
 * 1) * 2006 May 15, "How Bill Put the Fizz in the Fight Against Fat, Time (retrieved 13 Feb 2013) :
 * Slimmed down and scared straight after his bypass surgery, Clinton brokers a deal to get sugary drinks out of schools.

Usage notes

 * Often used in the past participial form, scared straight.