on the square

English

Pronunciation

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Prepositional phrase

on the square

1. (idiomatic) Honest and open.
2. A discreet, unassuming reference to freemasonry.
   • "Are you on the square?" (meaning: "are you a freemason like myself?")

Usage notes

• This phrase is associated with Freemasonry: The angle measures the square, the symbol of earth and the realm of the material. The square represents fairness, balance, and firmness which is reflected in phrases such as "on the square" and "squared away." Something that is squared is something that is stable, a foundation for building upon

Synonyms

• (unassuming freemasonic reference): on the level

Antonyms

• out of square

References

• Masonic references in common speech