fair play

noun

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

   The political campaign was notably lacking in fair play.

fair play

noun

1. an established standard of decency, honesty, etc

2. abidance by this standard

Word History and Origins

Origin of fair play¹

First recorded in 1585–95

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Related Words

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