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What would be the phrase for someone with honest, open and without any wrong intention? It would be above board idiom which is commonly used in the book of English grammar. A simple example to tell you the meaning would be ‘imagine you’re playing cards, to make sure no one cheats, you keep your hands on the table, where everyone can see them. This is what “above board” means. To read more about the ‘above board’ idiom, make sure you continue reading as we have also compiled a quiz to test yourself in the end.
This Blog Includes:
Quick Read: Most Commonly Used Idioms in English
Above Board Idiom: Meaning, Origin & Examples
The above board’s literal meaning refers to something honest, open, and without any hidden intentions or deception. It suggests that everything is being done fairly and transparently.
Check out a few examples of the above board idiom for a better understanding:
- The company’s financial dealings were completely above board.
- The business deal was above board, with no hidden costs or conditions.
The idiom above board originates from card games, specifically the practice of keeping one’s hands above the table during play. This practice was intended to prevent cheating, as players could not easily conceal or manipulate cards if their hands were visible to others.
Also Read: Grass is Greener on the Other Side Meaning, Examples, Synonyms
Above Board Idiom Example Sentences
Now that you are familiar with the idiom, it is time to look at some of the example sentences and how you can also write some of your own.
- While some politicians engage in shady tactics, others strive to keep everything above board.
- Rest assured, our operations are completely above board. You can trust us.
- Is the company’s business model truly above board, or are there undisclosed risks?
- Her intentions were completely above board; she simply wanted to help.
- While some politicians engage in shady tactics, others strive to keep everything above board.
Also Read: Benefit of Doubt Meaning, Examples, Synonyms
Synonyms of Above Board Idiom
If you are looking for some synonyms for above board idiom, then we have got you. These are similar words it will be quite helpful to use different words instead of the above board idiom. Below is a short list of idioms on synonyms of the above board for you.
| Honest | Fair |
| Open | Transparent |
If you are looking for more synonyms for this idiom, then you can look at the picture below which will be of help to you. You can always save and download this picture for future reference.
Above Board Idiom Quiz
After you have gone through all the information on the above board idiom, it is time to test your knowledge on the same.
Instructions: We have compiled the following multiple-choice questions from which you have to choose the correct option which you feel is right. You will all the answers to this quiz in the end.
- What does the idiom “above board” mean?
A) To be sneaky and dishonest
B) To be honest and open
C) To be high up in the sky
D) To be underwater
- Which of the following sentences uses the idiom “above board” correctly?
A) The secret deal was completely above board.
B) The magician’s tricks were above board.
C) The politician’s campaign was above board.
D) The thief’s plan was above board.
- What is the origin of the idiom “above board”?
A) From ancient Greek mythology
B) From a famous historical event
C) From a card game
D) From a nautical term
- Which of the following is a synonym for “above board”?
A) Deceitful
B) Dishonest
C) Transparent
D) Cunning
Check Answers:
- B) To be honest and open
- C) The politician’s campaign was above board.
- C) From a card game
- C) Transparent
Read blogs on Proverbs, Idioms, and Synonyms here:
FAQs
“Above board” means something is honest, fair, and transparent. It suggests that there are no hidden agendas or deceitful intentions.
The idiom originates from card games, specifically the practice of keeping one’s hands above the table during play. This practice was intended to prevent cheating, as players could not easily conceal or manipulate cards if their hands were visible to others.
Yes, the opposite of “above board” would be something like “underhanded,” “sneaky,” or “dishonest.”
This was all about the cry in the wilderness idiom. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to English grammar and the English language.
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