fair play

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.
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!
See also: fair, play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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.

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
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • fair play (to you)
  • be game
  • in the game
  • monkey in the middle
  • shell game
  • a shell game
  • game is up
  • game is up, the
  • the game is up
  • no score
References in periodicals archive
"It is very important from our perspective that UEFA is successful in implementing Financial Fair Play," said Henry.
What Liverpool owners FSG have said about Financial Fair Play - including Man City suspicion; Fenway Sports Group have been consistent supporters of financial initiative
But how does this view of competence relate to the idea of Fair Play, the central theme of this investigation?
Competencies for a fair play in organizations: a phenomenographic analysis of managers' conceptions
"West Ham take that place as the highest ranked team in the Fair Play league not to have already qualified for Europe."
Blues miss out in Fair Play Europa League chase
"The Blues were one of a number of clubs in contention to qualify for the tournament via Fair Play after UEFA announced earlier this month that England would be given one additional place in next season's Europa League due to the country's performance in the annual standings.
Hammers pip Blues to Europa League spot
"I train children on what fair play means in football.
Farina preaches integrity & fair play at anti-Crime Congress
"But that is when Financial Fair Play has to be fair.
Mourinho: Time to call City rich boys to account
Whenever rules are set for Financial Fair Play it seems to just be a message to lawyers to go and find a loophole.
Financial Fair Play or the top stars?
Jean-Louis Dupont, part of the legal team that won the landmark Bosman ruling in the 1990s and who led the case that forced Fifa and Uefa to compensate clubs for players on international duty, claims financial fair play (FFP) will breach European competition law.
Financial fair play defended; FOOTBALL SHORTS UEFA
UEFA hand three extra spots in the Europa League to the top countries in their Fair Play league.
DUNDEE COULD LAND EURO SPOT
Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers agrees with the new Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, as (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1330784/premier-league-clubs-vote-in-favour-of-ffp-plans?cc=4716) implemented by the Premier League.
Liverpool Consider Summer Swoop for Out-of-Favour Malaga Midfielder - Report
Summary: Fulham will play in the Europa League next season after taking England's Fair Play place.
Fulham in Europa League next season
Maradona hopes that does not mean teams will cross the line in terms of their approach to dealing with either the diminutive playmaker or any other players, though, and called on FIFA to ensure fair play.
Messi the cherry on the cake for Diego
Diego Maradona, scorer of the infamous Hand of God goal in the finals of 1986, made a strong plea for fair play on the opening day of the World Cup on Friday.
Let's play fair, Maradona tells refs
William, president of the Football Association, welcomed the reduction of foul play at every level in football as he spoke at the Respect and Fair Play Awards ceremony.
Prince William in fair play call
ISTANBUL, Jan 18, 2010 (TUR) -- International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) has awarded Turkish track and field athlete Elvan Abeylegesse with a fair play prize, the committee said on Monday.
(SPO) TURKISH ATHLETE AWARDED WITH FAIR PLAY PRIZE