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Glite Dictionary
to be square on

to be square on

7.3
To be honest and clear about what you must do
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : ser honesto
  • He always tried to be square on every deal he made.

Examples

  • It's important to be square on your finances if you want to avoid trouble.

  • He always tries to be square on his promises.

  • If you are square on your intentions, people will trust you more.

  • You should be square on your commitments!

  • It's crucial to be square on your responsibilities to maintain trust in the workplace.

  • If you be square on your obligations, people will appreciate your honesty.

  • She prefers to be square on her past mistakes to build better relationships.

Synonyms

to play it straight
vsto be square on
5 4.2

To act honestly and directly without tricking others

is honest specifically about duties and obligations rather than general conduct
to lay it on the line
vsto be square on
  • Informal
3 7.8

To speak honestly and directly, even if it may cause trouble

is honest specifically about duties and obligations rather than general speech

Antonyms

to evade
31 3.9

To avoid doing something you should do, for example a duty or a direct question

untruthful
6 4.8

Not honest and likely to tell lies

How Honest

to be square on
7.3
evasive
25 7.3

Surface Forms

be square on infinitive

Morphology

be + square + on

The meaning is directly derivable: 'square' can mean 'fair/honest' and 'on' here functions like 'about/regarding', so 'be square on [something]' = 'be honest/straightforward about [something]'. This follows a common adjective+preposition pattern (be [ADJ] on/about) that a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would readily infer.

Etymology

Be square on comes from an old use of square to mean 'fair' or 'honest'. The idea is that a square is even and clear, so to be square on something is to be open and direct about it, which is why it means 'to be honest or straightforward'.