aboveboard
UK[əˌbʌvˈbɔːd]US[əˌbʌvˈbɔːrd]
adj
Honest and open, without any attempt to deceive.
adv
In an honest and open way.
Morpheme Breakdown
above
board
above
board
Etymology
The term "aboveboard" originates from the world of gaming and card-playing in the 16th century. It literally described keeping one's hands visibly "above the board" (the table), preventing any sleight of hand or cheating under the table. This concrete image of open, observable action provided a powerful metaphor for straightforward conduct. Over time, the word shed its specific gaming context and evolved into a general adjective and adverb describing any honest, transparent, and legitimate activity, carrying the logic of having nothing to hide.
Analysis
Structure: above + board
- above (Old English, preposition/adverb): From Old English abufan, meaning "in a higher place, overhead, beyond."
- board (Old English, noun): From Old English bord, meaning "a plank, flat surface, table."
Examples
The negotiations were completely aboveboard and transparent.
She assured us that all their business dealings were conducted aboveboard.
If everything is aboveboard, there should be no problem with an independent audit.