above board
legitimate and transparent; with no hidden dealings
In Spanish
legitimate and transparent; with no hidden dealings
Examples
- The whole transaction was above board — every step documented.
- All their business dealings are above board and fully compliant with regulations.
- She assured me that the hiring process would be above board and fair to all applicants.
When it's used
This idiom is primarily used in formal and professional contexts, both in speech and writing. It is common in business settings to describe transactions or procedures that are clear and legitimate.
The common mistake
A common mistake is saying 'over the board' instead of 'above board.' The preposition 'over' changes the meaning and does not convey the idea of transparency in English.
Related idioms
FROM WHAT YOU READ TO WHAT YOU SAY
Recognising it isn't the same as using it
Reading an idiom and understanding it is step one. Dropping it into a conversation, at the right moment, without stopping to think, is another — and that only comes from speaking.
Practise speaking→