square deal

¹

noun

1. a fair and honest arrangement or transaction.

Square Deal

²

noun

, U.S. History.

1. the stated policy of President Theodore Roosevelt, originally promising fairness in all dealings with labor and management and later extended to include other groups.

Word History and Origins

Origin of square deal¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Idioms and Phrases

A just, equitable arrangement or transaction, as in I know I'll get a square deal if I work with that supplier . This idiom uses square in the sense of “fair” or “honest,” a usage dating from the 1300s. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

"Our members, along with the entire trade union movement will continue their campaign for a square deal for workers, decent pay increases and good working conditions," he said.

From BBC

"We will resist that and our members, along with the entire trade union movement will continue their campaign for a square deal for workers, decent pay increases and good working conditions."

From BBC

His success has surprised even some of his union colleagues, who were bracing themselves for much greater public backlash to their fight for a “square deal” at a time of rampant inflation and wage stagnation.

From New York Times

He ran for president this year, calling for a square deal for more Chileans, with more social protections for the poor and higher taxes on the rich.

From New York Times

But there is a growing feeling among Democrats — along with many mainstream economists — that the market alone cannot give workers a square deal.

From New York Times

Related Words

• candor
• civility
• decency
• decorum
• equity
• honesty
• humanity
• impartiality
• integrity
• legitimacy
• moderation
• propriety
• rationality
• righteousness
• suitability
• tolerance
• truth
• veracity