fair play

1. Observation of or conformity to the rules, as of a game or competition. The only way for this game to remain civilized is if there is fair play by both sides. If a fight broke out, it's probably because one team thought the other wasn't engaged in fair play. I thought the referees were supposed to ensure fair play here!

2. Fair, equal, and morally correct treatment or conditions. The government's tendency to favor wealthy citizens really undercuts the sense of fair play on which our country was founded. We can't have any biased judges—fair play is vital when you're judging a contest. Aren't we all entitled to fair play, sir? Even the poorest among us?

See also: fair, play

fair play (to you)

Well done! That's impressive! I heard you got a promotion—fair play to you! Fair play! I wouldn't have thought of doing that! You negotiated an even lower price for your new car? Well, fair play to you!

See also: fair, play

fair play

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.

See also: fair, play

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

fair ˈplay

not breaking the rules or cheating; honest or correct behaviour: We want to see fair play in this competition. ♢ It may be legal, but it’s not fair play.

See also: fair, play

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