# aboveboard

/əˈbəvˌbɔɹd/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aboveboard
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

honest and open about your actions. You use this when someone is not hiding anything or being sneaky.

For teachers: honest, open, and transparent in one's dealings. Often used to describe a person or organization that is not involved in any illegal or dishonest activities.

## Examples

- The company is aboveboard with its financial records.
- The candidate was aboveboard about his previous mistakes during the interview.
- Despite the intense scrutiny from the press, the administration remained aboveboard in its communication, releasing all relevant documents to the public without delay.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.