ˌfair ˈplay noun [uncountable]

1. playing according to the rules of a game without cheating:
rules designed to ensure fair play

2. fair treatment of people without cheating or being dishonest:
the British tradition of fair play
This kind of behavior violates many people’s sense of fair play.

3. fair play to somebody British English spoken used to say that you think what someone did was right:
He has to earn money somehow, so fair play to him.
⇒ turnabout is fair play at turnabout

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

fair play
1.
if there is fair play in a game or competition, people obey the rules and do not cheat.
The World Cup organizers are keen to promote the idea of fair play.

2.
a way of treating people that is fair and equal.
Ministers are demanding fair play and more access to European markets for British companies.

The committee's decision offended her sense of fair play.
(= she believed their decision was not fair)

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

fair play
justice, equal and correct action toward someone
The company has a reputation for fair play when they are bargaining with their employees.

The boy believes in fair play and is a good person to have on our team.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

fair play
n. Equal and right action (to another person); justice.
The visiting team did not get fair play in the game.
The judges decided against Bob, but he said that he had gotten fair play.
Sally's sense of fair play made her a favorite with her classmates.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲