WERE ABOVEBOARD Meaning and
Definition
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"were aboveboard" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation or activity that is completely open, honest, and transparent. The term originated from gambling, specifically in card games like poker, where players would traditionally keep their hands above the board (the table) to clearly show their cards and prevent any possibility of cheating or deception. Thus, being "aboveboard" signifies fairness, integrity, and straightforwardness.
When applied to broader contexts beyond gambling, "were aboveboard" refers to actions or transactions that are conducted with complete honesty and no hidden agenda. It suggests complete transparency, truthfulness, and openness in one's dealings or intentions. For example, if someone says they were aboveboard in a business negotiation, they mean they acted with integrity, following all legal and ethical guidelines, and did not engage in any fraudulent or deceitful practices.
Moreover, the term "were aboveboard" can also be used to describe individuals or organizations that consistently exhibit honesty, sincerity, and integrity in their overall behavior and decision-making processes. It implies a genuine commitment to ethical conduct and a refusal to resort to underhanded or dishonest practices.
Overall, "were aboveboard" represents a desirable quality that people expect in interpersonal interactions, business transactions, and various other aspects of life, emphasizing the importance of trust, truthfulness, and fairness.
Common Misspellings for WERE ABOVEBOARD
- were aboe board
- were above board
- qere aboveboard
- sere aboveboard
- eere aboveboard
- 3ere aboveboard
- 2ere aboveboard
- wwre aboveboard
- wsre aboveboard
- wdre aboveboard
- wrre aboveboard
- w4re aboveboard
- w3re aboveboard
- weee aboveboard
- wede aboveboard
- wefe aboveboard
- wete aboveboard
- we5e aboveboard
- we4e aboveboard
- werw aboveboard
Etymology of WERE ABOVEBOARD
The phrase "were aboveboard" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words: "were" and "aboveboard".
"Were" is the past tense of the verb "to be" and has Old English origins, derived from the Proto-Germanic word "wesan". Its usage in the phrase is to indicate the past state or condition.
"Aboveboard" is an adjective that means open, honest, or legitimate. It comes from the combination of two words, "above" and "board". The term "board" originally referred to the playing surface in card games and deceitful players would hide cards below this surface. Conduct that was "aboveboard" meant that it was open and transparent, with nothing hidden. The exact origins of this compound word are unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the 17th century.
