square deals
Honest business transactions
Square deals are fair, honest transactions or arrangements.
The phrase emphasizes that all parties receive equitable treatment without deception or favoritism: All we're asking for is a square deal.
Square here carries its older sense of straightforward and aboveboard.
The term gained prominence as Theodore Roosevelt's domestic policy platform in the early 1900s.
- Theodore RooseveltTwenty-sixth American president
- equalitySame status for all
- honestyTruthfulness, sincerity
- Progressive EraUS social reform period
- fairnessJust and equal treatment
level playing field · antitrust laws · ethics · rights · balances · muckrakers · policy · agreement · gentleman's agreement · accords · integrity · straight shooter · bargain · reform · trust-busting · justice · respect · reliability