above-board

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. In open sight; without trick, concealment, or deception.
adv
  1. Honestly; openly.

Pronunciation

/əˈbʌvˌbɔɹd/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Persent101-above-board.wav

Word forms

above-board aboveboard above board above the board

Etymology

From above + board (“table”). First attested in 1610. Said by Johnson to have been borrowed from gamblers, who, when they change their cards, put their hands under the table.

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