fair-and-square
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Just and honest: Describes an action, process, or person that is conducted or behaves in a completely honest, impartial, and straightforward manner, without any deception or unfair advantage.
Usage
- The adjective "fair-and-square" is used to emphasize the absolute fairness and integrity of a situation or outcome. It is often used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "was" or "is"). It functions as a single, hyphenated modifier.
Examples
- Attributive use (before a noun):
- It was a fair-and-square competition where everyone had an equal chance.
- He won the election in a fair-and-square manner.
- Predicative use (after a linking verb):
- The deal was fair-and-square, so neither party complained.
- I want this victory to be fair-and-square, with no doubts about the rules.
Advanced Usage
- "to win fair-and-square": A common collocation meaning to win decisively and honestly.
- Our team practiced hard and won fair-and-square.
- "to play fair-and-square": To compete or act with complete honesty and adherence to the rules.
- We expect all our business partners to play fair-and-square.
Variants and Related Words
- Fair (adj): In accordance with rules or standards; just and unbiased.
- A fair decision.
- Square (adj, informal): Honest and straightforward.
- He's a square dealer.
- Aboveboard (adj/adv): Legitimate, honest, and open.
- All their transactions were completely aboveboard.
Synonyms
- Honest: Free of deceit; truthful and sincere.
- Just: Based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair.
- Equitable: Fair and impartial.
- Straightforward: Uncomplicated and honest.
Related Phrases
- On the level (idiom): Honest and truthful.
- Is this deal on the level?
- By the book (idiom): Strictly according to the rules or official procedures.
- The inspection was conducted by the book.
Notes
- "Fair-and-square" is an idiomatic compound adjective. Its meaning is stronger than using "fair" or "square" alone, as it combines both concepts for emphasis. It often carries a connotation of finality and undisputed correctness.