ABOVE BOARD

[clofears]

What is the meaning of 'above board', meaning honest, untainted?

[Ewood27]

This from http://www.wordwithyou.com/links.htm

 

Meaning: Legal, out in the open, activities not concealed.
Example: All of my business dealings have been above board. At least all that you know about.
Origin: Early trading ships would hide illegal cargo below the ship's deck. Legal cargo could be placed in plain view on deck, or above the boards of the deck.

[linlam]

from Phrase Finder:

Meaning 
    Without any trickery.
  Origin
    Originated in the gaming community. If card players keep their hands above the table (board) they can be seen to be playing fairly.

 

[5029]

You have answered your own question!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mje1066]

The naval etymology is incorrect. Things on a ship are not above or below board; they're above or below decks. The are various citations from the mid 19th Century that show the gambling origins.