fair play
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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.
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.
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!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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.
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.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017