Idioms (Character / Ethics) – Choose the option that BEST explains the highlighted expression. Sentence: “His friends advised him to be fair and square in his dealings.”

Introduction / Context:
“Fair and square” is a rhyming idiom meaning honest, upright, and straightforward—especially in transactions and competition. It emphasizes transparency and adherence to rules.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Phrase to interpret: “fair and square”.
• Context: advice about business or personal dealings.
• We need a single-word paraphrase capturing honesty and integrity.

Concept / Approach:
The combined phrase strengthens the idea of fairness with clarity (“square” historically meant straightforward). “Upright” is the best one-word replacement conveying moral integrity. Alternatives like “careful,” “considerate,” or “polite” refer to caution, empathy, or manners, not ethics of fairness.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Interpret idiom: honest and straightforward.Select semantic match: “Upright.”Reject options focused on demeanor rather than ethics.

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “to be upright in his dealings.” The meaning is preserved.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Careful: about meticulousness, not integrity.
• Considerate: kindness, not fairness standards.
• Polite: manners, not ethics.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing social niceness with moral uprightness; the idiom centers on honesty.

Final Answer:
Upright