aboveboard

[ uh-buhv-bawrd, -bohrd ]

adverb

1. in open sight; without tricks, concealment, or disguise:

   Their actions are open and aboveboard.

   Synonyms: straightforward, honest

   Antonyms: sneaky, underhanded, devious

Word History and Origins

Origin of aboveboard¹

1610–20; above + board; so called from the requirement of keeping the hands above the table or board in order to discourage possible cheating at cards

Idioms and Phrases

see open and aboveboard .

Example Sentences

Shy’s employment history is largely aboveboard, but he’s done things for money that by his own admission are inexcusably vile.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Gertler has said that all his investments in Congo were aboveboard.

From New York Times

EcoHealth’s relationship with Chinese research institutions was open and aboveboard, and its funnelling U.S. grants to those institutions explicitly approved by the NIH and HHS.

From Los Angeles Times

They arrived in Quebec with their grandmother when Antigone was only three, having lost both their parents; the two brothers now provide for their meager household — through aboveboard as well as illicit means involving gangs.

From New York Times

At least this money grab is aboveboard and the exploitation is somewhat mutual.

From Salon

Related Words

• trustworthy
• truthful