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in open sight; without tricks, concealment, or disguise:
Their actions are open and aboveboard.
Contemporary Examples

Camp Jan Brewer, in the meantime, assures all that the new Bible-civ class will be constitutional and above board.
Governor Brewer Throws Arizona Base a Bone by Signing Bible Law Terry Greene Sterling April 18, 2012

But if the same forensic expert confirms that the forensics were above board, then the convictions will surely stand.
Amanda Knox’s Tearful Appeal Barbie Latza Nadeau December 10, 2010

Even those who support union with Russia guffaw when asked whether the referendum will be above board.
Crimeans Are Resigned To Pro-Russia Vote Jamie Dettmer March 14, 2014

Historical Examples

What he wished had always been that such projects should be discussed formally, legally, and above board.
The Life of John of Barneveld, 1614-23, Volume II. John Lothrop Motley

That’s all above board, but by thunder, if it’s a fight that you will have, touch that man again.’
Micah Clarke Arthur Conan Doyle

I shall feel happier with everything quite open and above board.
Girls of Highland Hall Carolyn Watson Rankin

I asked him why, an’ open an’ above board he says: ‘Because I’m goin’ to get drunk.’
Prairie Flowers James B. Hendryx

If he were honest and above board, he would go in for her before all the world.
Johnny Ludlow, Third Series Mrs. Henry Wood

The action of the Popes, on the contrary, has been fair and above board.
Ave Roma Immortalis, Vol. 2 Francis Marion Crawford

Her literature explains to the affinities that the business is absolutely honest and above board, and must be kept so.
Twenty Years a Detective in the Wickedest City in the World Clifton R. Wooldridge

adjective, adverb (aboveboard when prenominal)
in the open; without dishonesty, concealment, or fraud
adj.

1610s, from above and board (n.1). “A figurative expression borrowed from gamesters, who, when they put their hands under the table, are changing their cards.” [Johnson]
see: open and aboveboard