above board
The phrase "above board" likely originates from card games, where keeping one's hands above the table ensured fair play.
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Definition
B2General
(informal)Done openly and honestly, without any attempt to deceive.
Example
- The negotiations were conducted above board to ensure trust between both parties.
- She always keeps her business dealings above board.
C1Business
(formal)Conducted in a transparent and legitimate manner, in compliance with laws and regulations.
Example
- The company's financial transactions are above board, making them easy to audit.
- All agreements were made above board, with no hidden clauses.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "above board":
on the levelfair and squareabove parfair gamestraight shooterstraight goodsstraight uphonest to goodnessacross the boardin the clearfair playabove the frayover and aboveoff boardbona fidestraight arrowabove the lineon the upfair gofull disclosureup to snuffover the top