honesty and fairness

keep your nose clean

To behave well and avoid trouble. [INFORMAL]

lay/put your cards on the table

To tell someone the truth about your feelings, opinions, or plans.

a level playing field

A situation that is fair and where no one has an advantage over other people.

move the goalposts

To change the rules or aims in a situation to gain an advantage or make things more difficult for others.

on the level

Honest or true.

stab sb in the back

To secretly do something that hurts and betrays someone you trust.

say sth to sb’s face

To say something, especially something critical or unpleasant, directly to the person.

above board

Honest and legal.

not beat around/about the bush

To say what you want to say clearly and directly.

below the belt

Cruel and unfair.

by fair means or foul

To achieve something using any possible method, even if it’s dishonest or unfair.

come clean

To tell the truth about something.

fair and square

To do something honestly and without cheating.