Make Your Point > Archived Issues > ABOVEBOARD

Send Make Your Point issues straight to your inbox.

"ABOVEBOARD" Pronunciation: uh BUV bord Part of speech: Both an adjective ("an aboveboard move") and an adverb ("doing business aboveboard"). You'll use the adjective a lot more, I think. Meaning: Something aboveboard is done in an honest way and done where everyone can see it. This word comes from card games: if your hands are above the board (table), then you're not cheating. Other common forms: none How to use it: Talk about aboveboard people, aboveboard business practices, aboveboard dealings, aboveboard actions and decisions, doing something in an aboveboard manner (or an aboveboard fashion, or an aboveboard way), an aboveboard reputation, and so on. And you can be aboveboard with someone, or be aboveboard about something. Since you've already got a lot of words in your vocabulary meaning "honest," why bother with this one? Well, "aboveboard" helps you emphasize that some dealings are going on, and that there's an opportunity for someone to be sneaky and cheat, but that person isn't taking that opportunity. Our real estate agent was not exactly aboveboard--something fishy was clearly going on when she didn't let us keep a copy of our contract with her. My husband is so aboveboard by nature that whenever he plans a surprise for me, he always tells me later about his planning process so he can clear up any white lies that the surprise required. (It's very endearing.) Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "aboveboard” means when you can explain it without saying “in clear view” or “straightforward." Think of something dishonest you witnessed, and fill in the blanks: "If _____ is/are/was/were aboveboard, then why _____?." Example: "If this store's pricing system is aboveboard, then why are some items permanently on sale?" Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don't go straight to the review now; let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: This month's game content is protected by a copyright, so I can't reprint the trivia questions here--but check out the challenging, endlessly entertaining game; it's called Moot! A Point Well Made: Fred Rogers (“Mr. Rogers”): “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world.” 1. The opposite of ABOVEBOARD is A. UNCALLED FOR B. UNEXPECTED C. UNDERHANDED 2. The restaurant's aboveboard slogan is "_____" A. In sight, it must be right. B. If you've got time to lean, you've got time to clean. C. No rules, just right. Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. C 2. A