play fair and square
No cheating allowed
To play fair and square is to act honestly and according to the rules, without cheating or deception.
The phrase emphasizes complete fairness—square reinforces fair, both words historically connected to straightness and uprightness.
He won the election fair and square.
If you can't play fair and square, don't play at all.
- honestFree from deception
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
- fair playHonorable conduct in games
- sportsmanshipEthical athletic conduct
- good sportPerson accepting outcomes cheerfully
above board · by the book · play by the rules · rules · handshake · referee · clean game · no cheating · clean hands · trustworthy · straight shooter · straight and narrow · honorable · gentleman · fair shake · ethics · legitimate · upright