THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Above board
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Honest, open and not intended to deceive anyone.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- We kept written records so the selection process was clearly above board.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
We kept written records so the selection process was clearly ________.
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Above board — Honest, open and not intended to deceive anyone.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Above board” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Honest, open and not intended to deceive anyone.
Compare: We kept written records so the selection process was clearly above board.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when discussing whether a deal, process or arrangement is being conducted honestly. It suits everyday and workplace discussion.
More examples in context
- The club explained every fee to make sure the arrangement was above board.
- She wanted confirmation that the competition was entirely above board.
Usage note
Above board describes honesty and openness, not how physically high something is. “Open and above board” is a common combination.
A short conversation
A: Did every applicant receive the same information?
B: Yes. We wanted the process to be open and above board.
A: That should help people trust the result.
One more practice question
Which process is above board?
A. An honest process with rules and costs openly explained.
B. A process that hides secret charges and misleads participants.
Check your answer
A. Openness and honesty make the arrangement above board.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.