fair shake

noun

, Informal.

1. an equitable opportunity or treatment:

   The judges promised that every entrant in the contest would get a fair shake.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fair shake¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

But much of what voters will be weighing when they head to the polls is which candidate they believe will give them and their loved ones a fair shake.

From Slate

“If people think this is all bad for baseball, I just want them to know: It ain’t my fault. I didn’t start this thing. I just want a fair hearing. If I get a fair shake, I will prove everybody wrong, believe me.”

From Los Angeles Times

But as played by Pérez Joglar, making his feature acting debut, this prideful father is also consumed with the belief that life never gave him a fair shake, taking that resentment out on everyone around him.

From Los Angeles Times

Using the same lawyer means that neither party is getting a fair shake.

From Salon

For all that he and other merchants have contributed to local culture and commerce, and the city treasury, he says he wants a fair shake in return.

From Los Angeles Times