above board
Nothing to hide
Above board means honest, open, and legitimate—without concealment or deception.
The phrase comes from card games, where keeping hands above the table (the board) proved you weren't cheating.
Something above board can withstand scrutiny: The transaction was completely above board.
Is this above board, or are we going to get in trouble?
integrity
Free from deception
- transparentAllowing light through
- ethicalConforming to moral principles
- trustworthyWorthy of confidence
- uprightVertical or morally sound
honorable · principled · legitimate · lawful · forthright · sincere · candid · straightforward
honest
Free from deception
- transparentAllowing light through
- ethicalConforming to moral principles
- trustworthyWorthy of confidence
upright · honorable · principled · legitimate · lawful · forthright · sincere · candid · straightforward · reputable
transparent
Allowing light through
- disclosedMade previously hidden known
- unconcealedNot hidden away
- visibleAble to be seen
evident · obvious · apparent · explicit · clear · open · revealed · unhidden · public · documented
- fair playfair chance, fair shake, respect, fair treatment, honesty
- fairnessfair play, fair shake, fair treatment, fair and square, fair share
- Nautical Idiomsbatten down the hatches, all hands on deck, smooth sailing, three sheets to the wind, in the same boat
- Old Idiomsbeyond the pale, hue and cry, scot-free, knight in shining armor, eat humble pie
- phrases about integritykeep your word, man of his word, straight shooter, on the level, moral compass
- sportsmanshipfairness, fair play, sportsmanship, respect, integrity