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

It is against one uniform financial fair play system.

From BBC

When I found out, I thought 'fair play'.

From BBC

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

From BBC

West Ham say they continue to comply with Financial Fair Play rules "and expect to do so in the future".

From BBC

Teams were tasked with illustrating the theme of fair play and Unwin said the sculpture she designed was "ridiculously complicated".

From BBC

Related Words

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