above board

USAGE SUMMARY

"above board" is a phrase correctly and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is legitimate, open, and honest. For example, "I want to make sure we're doing everything above board and avoiding any conflicts of interest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"It was all above board.

The Guardian - Sport

Is this above board, he was asked.

The Guardian

His defence: the arrangement was all above board.

The Guardian

It said the contracts were all above board.

The Guardian

"It is all perfectly above board," he said.

Independent

All my dealings are totally above board".

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

In anticipation, plenty of above-board (and semi-above board) jobs are already cropping up, some of which pay serious cash.

Vice

He's run a very honorable, above-board campaign.

The New York Times

"We've always been very satisfied that they are playing above-board," Mr. Benton said.

The New York Times

This isn't necessarily above-board.

TechCrunch

This just keeps it all above-board".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to assure your audience that a process or transaction is legitimate and without hidden agendas, use "above board" to convey transparency and trustworthiness.

Common error

Don't assume that using "above board" automatically absolves you of scrutiny. While it implies honesty, always be prepared to provide evidence and documentation to support your claim, especially when dealing with complex or sensitive matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "above board" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It describes the manner in which something is done, indicating that it is done honestly and openly. Ludwig examples confirm this use, highlighting contexts where actions are transparent and legitimate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "above board" is a very common and grammatically sound idiom used to describe actions that are honest, transparent, and legitimate. According to Ludwig, it's often used in news, business, and scientific contexts to assure audiences of ethical conduct and trustworthiness. Given its frequent use in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, writers can confidently use "above board" to convey transparency and build confidence. However, it's important to remember that simply stating something is "above board" doesn't guarantee it; you should still be prepared to provide evidence and documentation to support your claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

honest and transparent

Emphasizes both honesty and openness in actions.

legitimate and ethical

Focuses on the legality and moral correctness of the action.

in a transparent manner

Highlights the openness and visibility of the process.

fair and square

Suggests that the dealings are equitable and just.

open and honest

Underscores the candid and truthful nature of the communication or action.

beyond reproach

Implies that the actions are so proper that they cannot be criticized.

within the bounds of legality

Stresses compliance with the law.

by the book

Indicates adherence to established rules and procedures.

with integrity

Focuses on the moral and ethical principles guiding the actions.

clean and ethical

Highlights the lack of corruption and adherence to moral standards.

FAQs

How can I use "above board" in a sentence?

You can use "above board" to describe actions or processes that are transparent, honest, and legal. For example, "The company's financial transactions were completely "above board", ensuring investor confidence".

What are some alternatives to "above board"?

Alternatives include "honest and transparent", "legitimate and ethical", and "fair and square". The choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "completely above board"?

While "above board" already implies honesty and transparency, adding "completely" emphasizes the thoroughness and unquestionable nature of the legitimacy. It can be useful for reinforcing trust or countering doubt.

What's the difference between "above board" and "legal"?

"Legal" means compliant with the law, while "above board" implies not only legality but also ethical conduct and transparency. An action can be legal but not necessarily "above board" if it's done secretively or with questionable motives.