Fair and square Meaning in English
expression
ˈfɛɹ/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈskwɛɹ
FAIR-and-SQUARE
fˈeə/ /ˈænd/ /skwˈeə
FAIR-and-SQUARE
Definition
Honestly and according to the rules, without cheating or lying. Used to describe a situation where something is done in a completely fair and open way.
Usage & Nuances
It's used mainly informally or in everyday conversation. Often appears after actions or results to stress that there was no cheating. Collocates with verbs like 'win', 'beat', 'lose'. Not used for situations outside of fair play or honest actions.
Spanish: limpiamente - de manera justaPortuguese (BR): de maneira justa - honestamentePortuguese (PT): justamente - de modo honestoChinese (Simplified): 光明正大Chinese (Traditional): 光明正大Hindi: ईमानदारी से - निष्पक्ष रूप सेArabic: بكل عدل وإنصاف - بصراحة ووضوحBengali: নিষ্পক্ষভাবে - সৎভাবেRussian: честно и справедливоJapanese: 正々堂々とVietnamese: một cách công bằng - đường đường chính chínhKorean: 공정하게 - 정정당당하게Turkish: adil ve açık şekildeUrdu: صاف اور ایمانداری سےIndonesian: dengan adil dan jujur
Example Sentences
He won the game fair and square.
basic
They lost fair and square and accepted the result.
basic
You have to play fair and square if you want to win.
basic
Don't complain, you lost fair and square.
natural
She beat me fair and square, so I have no excuse.
natural
If you win fair and square, everyone will respect you more.
natural