All square ⚖️↔️

Meaning

A situation where the score is equal, or debts and obligations are settled, leaving no outstanding balance.

Origin

Imagine yourself on a muddy medieval field, centuries ago. Two knights have just finished a friendly fencing match. They started with nothing, fought valiantly, and now, after all the parries and thrusts, neither has gained an advantage. They are precisely balanced, 'all even.' This idea of perfect equilibrium, of a state where neither side has profited or lost, is the heart of 'all square.' It likely emerged from games and sports where a tied score meant a return to the starting point, no winners, no losers, just a clean slate.

🏆 success ⚖️✅ honesty 💰 money ☠️ risk

All square represented with emoji⚖️↔️

This playful juxtaposition of scales and arrows invites the viewer to consider the ephemeral nature of fairness. It functions as a delightful reminder that even in the face of complex negotiations, a simple state of 'all square' is often delightfully within reach, a whimsical dance between balance and movement.

Examples

  • After a long game of chess, it was finally all square in the final round.
  • We decided to call it a night, as we were all square on our bets.
  • The knight paid the baker his due, and with a bow, they were all square.
  • The dragon returned the shiny coin to the gnome, and with a satisfied sigh, they were all square.

Frequently asked questions

Is the phrase 'all square' a formal idiom?

No, 'all square' is generally considered an informal idiom, often used in casual conversation rather than in formal writing or speeches. Its roots in games and everyday settling of accounts contribute to its informal nature.

What's the opposite of being 'all square'?

The opposite of being 'all square' is a situation where there is a clear winner and loser, or an outstanding debt or imbalance. This could be described as 'one up', 'ahead', 'behind', or simply 'not square'.

Does 'all square' always refer to scores in games?

While 'all square' often refers to tied scores in games or sports, it can also be used more broadly to describe any situation where debts, accounts, or obligations are settled, leaving neither party owing anything to the other. It signifies a state of balance or mutual closure.

Can 'all square' be used for personal relationships?

Yes, 'all square' can metaphorically apply to relationships, suggesting that any past grievances or favors have been balanced out, allowing for a fresh start. It implies that no one holds a debt or resentment towards the other.

Similar to "all square"

Even Stevens
Both phrases celebrate a perfect balance, but 'even Stevens' feels more like a friendly, informal truce after a mild disagreement, whereas 'all square' often implies a more formal settling of accounts
Tit for tat
Both share the idea of reciprocity, but 'tit for tat' describes a series of actions and reactions, often retaliatory, that eventually might lead to a draw, while 'all square' is the end state of perfect balance, regardless of how it was achieved
Break even
Both signify no loss or gain, but 'break even' has a more business-like, financial ring to it, focusing on recovering costs, whereas 'all square' can apply to scores in games, debts, or any situation where claims are cancelled out

Opposite of "all square"

In the red
This phrase argues for a state of debt and financial loss, starkly contrasting with the equilibrium of 'all square' by highlighting a deficit that demands attention and can’t simply be balanced away
Running up the score
This argues for dominance and a decisive victory, celebrating an imbalance where one side clearly triumphs, the direct opposite of the mutual cancellation that defines 'all square'
Upping the ante
This suggests an ongoing escalation of stakes and risk, pushing things further into uncertainty rather than settling into the calm closure of 'all square'

Related to "all square"

Draw
Often the direct outcome that leads to a situation being 'all square' in a game or competition, it shares the spirit of a non-decisive result
Settle up
This phrase describes the action that often *results* in being 'all square', focusing on the process of clearing debts or obligations
Level playing field
This speaks to the *condition* that allows for fairness and the possibility of becoming 'all square', emphasizing equal opportunity and rules
Score sheet
This is the physical or metaphorical record where the balance, or imbalance, is tracked, acting as the ledger for events that might conclude with a state of being 'all square'