fair and square

USAGE SUMMARY

'fair and square' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe an activity or transaction that is fair and impartial and without deception or manipulation. For example: "We agreed to the deal fair and square, so there is no way either of us can back out now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All fair and square?

The Guardian - Books

You won fair and square.

The New York Times

He won fair and square.

The Guardian - Sport

Nemati qualified fair and square.

The Guardian - Sport

He won it fair and square.

The Washington Post

"The best book won, fair and square".

The New York Times - Books

They beat us fair and square".

The New York Times - Sports

"O.K., I won fair and square".

The New Yorker

We were beaten fair and square.

The Guardian - Sport

"I want to win fair and square".

The Guardian

"You won fair and square," Bill said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fair and square" to emphasize that a win, agreement, or result was achieved without cheating or bending the rules. It's effective in situations where fairness is being highlighted or questioned.

Common error

While "fair and square" is widely understood, it can sound informal in certain professional or academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "equitably" or "justly" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fair and square" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate that an action was performed honestly and legitimately. It provides additional information about the manner in which something was done. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Sports

21%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fair and square" is a common adverbial phrase used to emphasize that something was done honestly and without cheating. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it's important to consider the context, as more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or professional settings. The phrase is frequently found in news, sports, and business contexts, highlighting its broad applicability. Considering alternative phrases like "above board" or "honestly and justly" can provide nuanced expression while maintaining clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without cheating

Directly contrasts with dishonest methods, emphasizing fair play.

by honest means

Highlights that the outcome was achieved through ethical and fair methods.

above board

Indicates openness and transparency, avoiding any suspicion of wrongdoing.

honestly and justly

Replaces the idiomatic expression with more literal terms emphasizing ethical conduct.

with integrity

Highlights the moral uprightness and honesty involved.

legitimately and ethically

Highlights the legal and moral aspects of an action.

by the book

Focuses on adhering strictly to rules and regulations.

in good faith

Implies honesty and sincerity in one's actions.

in an ethical manner

Emphasizes the moral dimension of how something was done.

according to the rules

Stresses compliance with established guidelines.

FAQs

How can I use "fair and square" in a sentence?

You can use "fair and square" to emphasize that something was done honestly and according to the rules. For example, "He won the election "fair and square", with no cheating involved."

What does "fair and square" mean?

The phrase "fair and square" means that something was done honestly, justly, and according to the established rules, without any deception or unfair practices.

What can I say instead of "fair and square"?

You can use alternatives like "above board", "by the book", or "honestly and justly" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use the idiom "fair and square"?

While generally acceptable, "fair and square" might be too informal for academic or highly professional settings. In those cases, consider alternatives like "equitably" or "justly."