fair and square

Idioms  

1. Just and honest, as in He won the race fair and square. This redundant expression— fair and square mean essentially the same thing—probably owes its long life to its rhyme. [Early 1600s]

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Example Sentences

"First of all, Daniil was the stronger player fair and square," the 24-year-old told BBC Sport.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Landau says he bought the Courbet fair and square last year last year from a reputable New York dealer, whose lawyer says she was legally cleared to resell the work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

That way, you can help ensure that your assets are split fair and square.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 10, 2025

“But if anybody wants to ratify it now and stamp it assisted, we can accept it. Because we did it fair and square, no help in any way.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2023

I won the first game, let him win the next one, and lost the next five fair and square.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini