THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Fair and square
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Honestly and according to the rules, without cheating.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- She won the quiz fair and square.
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.
She won the quiz ________.
Show the answer
Fair and square — Honestly and according to the rules, without cheating.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Fair and square” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Honestly and according to the rules, without cheating.
Compare: She won the quiz fair and square.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it to emphasise that a win, result or agreement was obtained fairly. It is conversational and emphatic.
More examples in context
- We lost fair and square, so we congratulated the other team.
- He earned his place fair and square through the same selection process as everyone else.
Usage note
In the pattern “won fair and square,” the phrase describes how the result was achieved. This lesson focuses on honesty, rather than the separate UK use describing a direct hit.
A short conversation
A: Do you think the result should stand?
B: Yes. They won fair and square under the agreed rules.
A: Then let us congratulate them.
One more practice question
Which win is achieved fair and square?
A. A win obtained by secretly breaking the agreed rules.
B. A win obtained by following the agreed rules without cheating.
Check your answer
B. The result is honest and properly achieved.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.