above board
公明正大な
解説 Definition
隠し事がなく公正で正当なこと。すべてが透明で不正のない状態。
If something is above board, it is honest, open, and legal. This phrase is often used for business, money, or actions that are done fairly and without secrets. It emphasizes that there is nothing dishonest or hidden.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
まず board を「テーブル・盤」のイメージで持つと覚えやすいです。above board は、やり取りや手札が盤の上に見えていて隠し事がない感じ。そこから「公明正大な」に結びつけます。逆に under the table は「裏でこっそり」の方向なので対比で定着しやすいです。商談・会計・説明責任の文脈でよく使われ、 everything is above board の形でも見かけます。
Think of a board as a table or playing surface where everything can be seen. If something is above board, nothing is hidden under the table. That contrast helps: above board is open and honest, while under the table suggests secret or dishonest action.
例文
The company insists that all its financial dealings are completely above board.
その会社はすべての財務取引が完全に公明正大であると主張している。
I want everything to be above board, so let's document every step of the process.
すべてを公正にしたいので、プロセスの各段階を記録しましょう。
The politician promised that his campaign funding was entirely above board and transparent.
その政治家は選挙資金が完全に公明正大で透明であると約束した。
above board の類義語・関連語
above board の語源・成り立ち Etymology
aboveは古英語abufan、boardは古英語bord「板・食卓」に由来します。aboardやboardroomと縁があり、賭博や商談で品や手を盤上に見えるよう置く姿から、above board は「隠し事のない公明正大な」を表すようになりました。
"Above board" uses "above" and "board," with "board" originally meaning a plank or table. The phrase is often linked to gaming or business, where hands, cards, or goods were kept visible on top of the table. From that image of everything being in plain sight, it came to mean open, honest, and without hidden tricks.
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