fair playˌfair ˈplay noun [uncountable] 
rules designed to ensure fair play2fair 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.3fair 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
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Claiming credit for other people's work violates our society's sense of fair play.
- Aladdin was very good-natured and had a sense of fair play.
- Curiosity alone kept me there, and fair play.
- First Kennedy, then Johnson, had placed themselves firmly on the side of fair play and integration.
- It doesn't feel like fair play, but I have to forgive them.
- Only in a secure Britain can we break down barriers and give people a real sense of fair play.
- The intention is noble, I suppose: Teach them sportsmanship, fair play and all that.
- There are still people out there who teach and practice fair play, sportsmanship, and competition.
- These clubs did not necessarily take their sport in the spirit of fair play.
Longman Language Activatorwhen a situation or decision is fair
when something is done or decided in a way that is fair and right: · News reports should be held to a high standard of accuracy and fairness.· The judge has a record of fairness and non-discrimination.
when a situation is dealt with in a way that is fair and right, especially as the result of an official or legal decision: · It's up to the courts to uphold justice - you can't take the law into your own hands.· It is clear that "liberty and justice for all" is still a goal rather than a reality in the U.S.
if there is fair play in a situation, activity, game etc, people behave fairly and no one tries to cheat: · We need to instil in our children a strong sense of fair play.· A high level of sportsmanship and fair play is a tradition in the game.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY rules designed to ensure fair play This kind of behavior violates many people’s sense of fair play.
1playing according to the rules of a game without cheating: rules designed to ensure fair play This kind of behavior violates many people’s sense of fair play. rules designed to ensure fair play2fair 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.3fair 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