It's not cricket Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɪts/, /ɪts/ /ˈnɑt/ /ˈkɹɪkət/, /ˈkɹɪkɪt

ITS NOT KRIK-it

UK

ɪts/ /nˈɒt/ /kɹˈɪkɪt

its-NOT KRIK-it

Definition

A British expression meaning something is unfair, dishonest, or not following accepted rules, especially in competition or behavior.

Usage & Nuances

Slightly old-fashioned and mainly used in the UK. Refers to fairness and good sportsmanship, not the literal sport. Not often used in the U.S. Works in various contexts: business, social situations, daily life. Often implies mild disapproval.

• Spanish: no es justo - no está bien (modismo)
• Portuguese (BR): não é justo - não é correto (expressão)
• Portuguese (PT): não é justo - não está certo (expressão)
• Chinese (Simplified): 这不公平（习语）
• Chinese (Traditional): 這不公平（成語）
• Hindi: यह सही नहीं है (मुहावरा)
• Arabic: هذا ليس عدلاً (تعبير)
• Bengali: এটা ঠিক নয় - এটা অনুচিত - এটা ন্যায্য নয়
• Russian: это нечестно - это несправедливо
• Japanese: それはフェアじゃない - それはずるい
• Vietnamese: không công bằng - không đúng quy tắc
• Korean: 그건 정당하지 않아 - 그건 불공평해
• Turkish: bu adil değil - bu doğru değil
• Urdu: یہ مناسب نہیں - یہ منصفانہ نہیں
• Indonesian: itu tidak adil - itu tidak sportif

Example Sentences

Taking someone else's idea without giving credit is not cricket.

basic

Cheating in the exam is not cricket.

basic

Lying to your friends is not cricket.

basic

You just can't change the rules at the last minute—it's not cricket.

natural

Firing someone without warning is not cricket, no matter what the reason is.

natural

I know business is tough, but stealing clients from your partner is not cricket.

natural