above board

• aboveboard, above-board

See above-board.

• Audio (General Australian):

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above board

1. (idiomatic) Openly, without deceit.
   • 2001, Michael Inne, A Family Affair, page 82:

     ' […] And he explained this business of confidential commissions?' / 'Yes, he did. And it seemed to turn out quite respectable and above board.' Mrs Meatyard considered. 'Or almost above board.

2. (idiomatic) Honestly, reputably.

   They conducted the negotiations completely above board.

• The preferred spellings for the adjective uses of the term are aboveboard and above-board.

• (openly): straightforwardly, transparently

• by the book
• under the table
• on the up-and-up