Honest and aboveboard Meaning in English

expression

US

AH-nist and uh-BUV-bord

UK

ON-ist and uh-BUV-bawd

Definition

If someone or something is honest and aboveboard, they are open, fair, and do not hide anything wrong. This expression means things are done in a straightforward and trustworthy way.

Usage & Nuances

This phrase is fairly formal and often used in business, legal, and official contexts. Common collocations: 'deal is honest and aboveboard,' 'everything was honest and aboveboard.' Sometimes shortened to just 'aboveboard.' Not used for casual honesty (like admitting a small lie).

• Spanish: honesto y transparente - legal y claro
• Portuguese (BR): honesto e transparente - correto e aberto
• Portuguese (PT): honesto e transparente - correto e aberto
• Chinese (Simplified): 诚实且光明正大
• Chinese (Traditional): 誠實且光明正大
• Hindi: ईमानदार और साफ़-सुथरा
• Arabic: صادق وواضح
• Bengali: সৎ এবং স্পষ্ট
• Russian: честный и открытый
• Japanese: 正直で公明正大
• Vietnamese: trung thực và minh bạch
• Korean: 정직하고 공정한
• Turkish: dürüst ve açık
• Urdu: ایماندار اور صاف گو
• Indonesian: jujur dan terbuka

Example Sentences

Their business deal was honest and aboveboard.

basic

The company's actions were honest and aboveboard at every step.

basic

We can trust Maria because she is always honest and aboveboard.

basic

Don't worry, everything about this project is honest and aboveboard.

natural

I appreciate how honest and aboveboard you were during the negotiations.

natural

As long as we're honest and aboveboard, we have nothing to hide.

natural