fair play

American  

noun

1. just and honorable treatment, action, or conduct.

   The political campaign was notably lacking in fair play.

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fair play British  

noun

1. an established standard of decency, honesty, etc

2. abidance by this standard

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fair play Idioms  

1. Conformity to established rules; upright conduct and equitable conditions. For example, The coach insists on fair play. Shakespeare used this idiom in King John (5:2): “According to the fair play of the world, let me have audience.” [Late 1500s] Also see turnabout is fair play.

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Etymology

Origin of fair play

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

Fair play to all the countries that are going, everyone will enjoy it, but football at this level is now being used as a cash cow.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

"Fair play to him," said Watson of Ringrose ruling himself out of action.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

Fair play to Scottish Rugby - not words you often hear, it's true.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

Fair play to any fans, home or away, who are going to this game.

From BBC • May 23, 2025

Fair play in love as well as in war—that be Will Withers’ way o’ thinking.”

From The White Gauntlet by Reid, Mayne

Related Words

• civil rights
• coordination
• equal opportunity
• fairness
• identity
• impartiality
• parity
• tolerance