Fair and square Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Positive Vibes The phrase often implies respect for someone's achievements or actions. He did his chores fair and square, and now he's playing video games. Pro Tip 2/3Competitive Context Commonly used to describe outcomes in games, sports, or competitions. The underdog team won fair and square, surprising everyone. Pro Tip 3/3Not Just Wins Can also refer to honest losses or simply playing without deceit. Despite losing, the team played fair and square throughout the season.