How Do You Spell ARE ABOVE-BOARD?

Pronunciation: [ɑːɹ əbˌʌvbˈɔːd] (IPA)

The phrase "are above-board" means to be honest and open in one's actions or intentions. The pronunciation of "above-board" is /əˌbʌvˈbɔːrd/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The stress falls on the second syllable "board". The "a" in "above" is pronounced as a schwa sound /ə/, while "board" has a long "o" sound /ɔː/. The spelling of "above-board" is considered a hyphenated compound word, meaning it is made up of two separate words joined by a hyphen.

ARE ABOVE-BOARD Meaning and Definition

  1. To say that something, such as a person's behavior or actions, is "above-board" means that it is honest, open, and without deceit or dishonesty. This term is often used to describe someone or something that is transparent and operates ethically within the boundaries of the law.

    "Above-board" originates from the game of cards, specifically poker, where players would keep their hands above the table, ensuring their actions were visible to others and no cheating was occurring. Over time, this term has evolved to encompass a broader sense of honesty and integrity beyond just card games.

    In a general sense, if someone's actions or intentions are described as "above-board," it indicates that they are operating in a fair and honorable manner, without any hidden agenda or ulterior motive. This term implies a sense of trustworthiness and authenticity in one's actions. For example, if a business deal is labeled as "above-board," it means all parties involved are being honest and fair, adhering to legal and ethical standards.

    To summarize, being "above-board" means acting with transparency, integrity, and honesty. It conveys a sense of trustworthiness and indicates that someone's behavior is open, upright, and follows the rules and principles of fairness and legality.

Common Misspellings for ARE ABOVE-BOARD

  • are abive board
  • are abhove board
  • are aboved board
  • are abve board
  • are above bard
  • are above board
  • ape above board
  • are abovepboard
  • are above0-board
  • are above-0board
  • are abovep-board
  • are above-pboard
  • are above--board
  • are abovemboard
  • areabove-boord
  • areabove-bord
  • Are abouve-board
  • Are abovel-board

Etymology of ARE ABOVE-BOARD

The phrase "above-board" originated in the 17th century and is believed to come from the world of gaming, specifically card games. In card games, players often place their cards on a table, known as the board, and any concealed or hidden movements or actions were considered deceptive or dishonest. However, when players acted in a fair and transparent manner, they would keep their hands above the board, making everything visible and in plain sight.

Over time, the term "above-board" began to be used figuratively to describe any action or behavior that is open, honest, and free from deceit or dishonesty. It implies transparency, integrity, and trustworthiness.