It refers to the fact that a gambler was expected to keep his hands above the table or board. A gambler whose hands were not above board was possible cheating.
The negotiations were honest and aboveboard. They were aboveboard about anything regarding the transaction, but kept the origins a secret.
she acted in a completely open and aboveboard way.
par-dessus bord
deceitful, devious, lying, shady, underhanded
I do not believe that this phrase was meant to be taken literally. It is more likely a metaphor meaning that if you go to court your "hands" (i.e.: background - motives - actions) had better be 'clean,' meaning honest and aboveboard.
It shouldn't. It's an American idiom.
I want to be an honest person, an honest person to me is one that is sure of ones self.
The opposite of fair and aboveboard is deceitful and underhanded. This implies actions that are dishonest, hidden, or lacking transparency, often involving manipulation or unfair advantage. Such behavior undermines trust and integrity in dealings and relationships.
Abraham Lincoln was known as Honest Abe. He was a notably honest person.
an honest person hates lies while a dishonest person hates the truth. :)
It's said to be sociable. I don't know if the person would really mean it or not, it depends weather they are being honest.
An honest person states facts as they truly believe them to be. They do not lie, steal, or cheat.