Definition

1. 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.

Adjective

1. just and honest