Above board

Meaning

Conducted in an honest, open manner.

Usage

Used when praising transparency.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Originally a casino term indicating deals were done on table boards rather than under them.

Used since the 17th century when gamblers emphasized fair play.