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

Journalists from the top 100 Fifa-ranked nations decide who wins and are encouraged to factor in "individual performances" along with "class and fair play".

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Confronted with the rules of fair play, the reader was enjoined to solve the case alongside the detective, which required seeing through the author’s sleights of hand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

“This is about the integrity of sport and code of ethics that upholds sportsmanship, fair play, integrity, respect and community,” Uhlaender said in a post on X.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

"I just said, if she plays like this all match and I cannot raise my level, fair play to her. But I was able to raise my level."

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

The rules of fair play among the gangs were from Per Haskell’s time.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

Related Words

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