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 Leeds boss Daniel Farke too.

From BBC

Frenk opened the news conference by speaking of the importance of athletics, saying, “Athletics lift up our shared values, such as inclusion, fair play and teamwork, and athletics are the front porch of the university, one of the most visible symbols of what we stand for.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Big rule follower, ha ha. I love me some fairness! Mr. Fair Play!”

From Literature

They were lucky to still be in the game at half-time but fair play to Daniel Farke for making the substitutes and changing the system, because he has been accused of not being proactive enough during games.

From BBC

Is it in the sense of the game or fair play?

From BBC

Related Words

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