PhrasesHub

Fair and square

    Definitions

      • honesty and fairness
        To describe a situation or outcome that is just, equal, and free from any deceit or manipulation

      • completely and thoroughly
        To emphasize the completeness or thoroughness of an action or event, often in a positive or admirable way

      • evenly or equally
        To describe a division or distribution that is equal and impartial, without any favoritism or bias

    Examples of Fair and square

    • John won the game fair and square. He played with honour and integrity, and his skills outmatched his opponents.

      The phrase "fair and square" is used to describe a situation where the outcome is just and equitable, achieved through adherence to rules and principles of fair play. In this case, John's victory was not the result of any unfair advantage, but rather the product of his talent and honesty.

    • The company's profits grew steadily under Mary's management, fair and square. She worked hard, made smart decisions, and earned the trust and respect of her team and stakeholders.

      The phrase "fair and square" can also be used to describe a positive outcome that is earned through merit and effort. In this example, Mary's success is credited to her dedication and competence, rather than any luck or favouritism.

    • Despite facing obstacles and setbacks, Sarah never gave up, and eventually succeeded fair and square. She persisted in the face of adversity, and emerged victorious through her persistence and determination.

      "Fair and square" can be applied to situations where someone has persevered through challenges and obstacles to achieve a positive result. In this case, Sarah's success is attributed to her grit and resilience, and not to any external factors or luck.

    • When the project fell behind schedule, the team worked tirelessly to catch up, fair and square. They prioritized the task at hand and sacrificed their personal time to make up for lost ground.

      "Fair and square" can also be used to describe a situation where people have put in the necessary effort to overcome a difficult situation. In this example, the team's diligence overcame the delay, and they brought the project back on track through their hard work and commitment.

    • The soccer team lost the match, but they can't complain because they played fair and square.

      This example shows how the phrase "fair and square" is used to describe a situation where no one has an unfair advantage or cheated in any way. In this case, the losing team cannot blame the outcome on any dishonest play because they played according to the rules.

    • The company awarded the contract to the most qualified vendor, and the winning party can be confident that they prevailed fair and square.

      This example illustrates how "fair and square" is used to indicate that a decision or outcome is just and appropriate because all parties were given an equal opportunity to succeed. It suggests that the victor won because they had the best product or service, not because they received any undue benefits.

    • The candidates ran a respectable campaign, and the winner was elected fair and square.

      This example demonstrates how "fair and square" is employed to convey that an election or other competitive process was conducted according to the established set of rules, without any underhanded maneuvers or foul play. It implies that the winner of the election was chosen based on the will of the people, not through fraud or other unscrupulous means.

    • After a long debate, the committee made the decision fair and square, and everyone agreed that it was the right choice.

      This example illustrates how "fair and square" is used to indicate that a decision was made in a transparent and impartial manner, with all parties having a chance to present their views and arguments. It suggests that the decision was reasonable and just because it considered the evidence and the implications of all perspectives.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "fair and square" is commonly used to describe a situation or outcome that is characterized by honesty, fairness, and equality. It can also be used to emphasize the completeness or thoroughness of an action or event, and to describe a division or distribution that is equal and unbiased.

    Origin of "Fair and square"

    The origin of the idiom "fair and square" can be traced back to the game of chess. In the 16th century, the phrase "fair and square" was used to describe a move or strategy in chess that was honest, straightforward, and without any trickery or deceit. Over time, the phrase became more widely used in everyday language to describe any situation or outcome that was just and equal.

    Another possible origin of the idiom comes from the concept of weighing scales. The phrase "fair and square" could have been used to describe a balanced and equal distribution of weight on the scales, representing fairness and equality.

    In the 19th century, the idiom gained popularity and was used in various literary works and speeches, further solidifying its meaning and usage. Today, "fair and square" is a commonly used idiom that conveys the importance of honesty, fairness, and equality in various aspects of life.