above-board
above-board — adjective
1. honest and done in a way that hides nothing and breaks no rules.
honest and done in a way that hides nothing and breaks no rules.
The deal was above-board, so both lawyers signed it without delay.
be above-board about a deal
Aoi kept the charity raffle above-board by posting every payment online.
keep something above-board by showing details
The hiring process felt above-board after the school published all the rules.
Karim wanted an above-board contract before he paid the builder.
- honest
the broad everyday word; less focused on visible fairness of the process
- legitimate
stresses that something is allowed or proper, especially by rules or law
- transparent
stresses that other people can easily see how something is being done
- fair
focuses on just treatment, not always on openness
文法句型
be above-board
an above-board + noun
用法筆記
Often used for deals, sales, payments, and procedures where people want to stress that nothing secret or dishonest is happening. Stronger than simply 'honest' because it also suggests clear, rule-following behaviour.
above-board — adverb
1. in an open and honest way that makes your actions easy to check and trust.
in an open and honest way that makes your actions easy to check and trust.
The club handled the complaint above-board and shared the full report.
handle something above-board
Beatrix sold her old car above-board and showed buyers every repair bill.
sell something above-board by sharing records
The coach spoke above-board about the budget cuts at practice.
Instead of hiding the mistake, James explained it above-board to the team.
The mayor answered above-board when reporters asked who funded the trip.
- openly
broad and common; less focused on legality or fairness
- honestly
focuses on truthfulness, not always on a checkable process
- transparently
more formal; common in public, legal, or business contexts
- fairly
focuses on just treatment more than public openness
- secretly
in a way that hides actions from other people
- dishonestly
in a way that deceives or cheats
文法句型
act above-board
deal above-board
explain something above-board
用法筆記
Usually modifies verbs such as deal, act, explain, answer, and handle. It stresses visible openness in business or public situations, not just private sincerity.