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

Nervy as men are made, MacRae worshiped at the shrine of an even break, a square deal for friend or foe.

From Project Gutenberg

We have had to lay off the ballast gang for a day now and then, and they claim they're not getting a square deal.

From Project Gutenberg

I could only resolve to follow his example, to stand for a square deal for children everywhere.

From Project Gutenberg

I don't call that a square deal between men, no matter what straight business may be.

From Project Gutenberg

I notice that some of the comrades are complaining that they do not get a square deal from some of the fur buyers.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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