across the board

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See also: across-the-board

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Originated with horse racing, where an "across the board" bet was one which covered first, second and third on the betting board.

Pronunciation

  • Audio (AU)(file)

Prepositional phrase

across the board

  1. (idiomatic) Pertaining to all categories or things.
    • 1949, United States Congress Committee on Post Office and Civil Service, Hearings:
      […] in favor of a straight across-the-board salary increase […]
    • 1983, A. Premchard, Government Budgeting and Expenditure: Theory and Practice:
      A common technique (variously known as an emergency brake or meat axe budgeting) used by governments is across-the-board cuts;
    • 1998, Shahid Javed Burki, Guillermo Perry, Beyond the Washington Consensus: Institutions Matter:
      Chile provides the region's best example of a country that has successfully reformed its core public administration across the board.
  2. (gambling) Having an equal amount staked on a competitor placing first, second, or third.
  3. (chess) Of a move or sequence of play, made in response to developments occurring in the game, as opposed to pre-planned or according to theory.

Translations

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