fair dos

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/ˌfɛə ˈduːz/
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A British informal expression for accepting that something is fair or reasonable, giving credit, or asking for equal treatment.

Examples

  • Fair dos to the referee, it was a difficult call.
  • Fair dos, you warned me that the road would be closed.
  • The price is higher than I hoped, but fair dos, the quality is excellent.
  • Give him a chance, fair dos, he only started yesterday.
  • Fair dos, I would have complained too.

Similar words

fair play
point taken
that's fair
reasonable enough
no argument
fair enough

Meanings

Usage

Use fair dos only in informal British contexts, and keep the fixed phrase for acceptance or fair-treatment appeals rather than literal legal fairness.

Common mistakes

Fair doses adds a wrong word, and fair dos is sometimes forced into verb use instead of being kept as a conversational phrase.

Etymology

The exact origin is uncertain. The older spelling fair do's is recorded from the nineteenth century, and the phrase is connected with fair shares or fair treatment.

FAQ

What does fair dos mean?

Fair dos is a British informal phrase meaning fair enough, reasonable, deserved, or a call for fair treatment.

Is fair dos British?

Yes. Fair dos is mainly British and informal, though it may be understood elsewhere through British media or conversation.

Is fair dos the same as fair enough?

Often yes. Fair dos can work like fair enough, especially when accepting that someone has a point.

How do you pronounce fair dos?

Fair dos is pronounced /ˌfɛə ˈduːz/, with the second word sounding like dooz.

Is fair do's also correct?

Yes. Fair do's is an older or alternative spelling, while fair dos is also used.

Can fair dos be used in formal writing?

Usually no. Fair dos is informal and conversational, so formal writing normally uses fair enough, reasonable, or fair treatment.

Where does fair dos come from?

The origin is not fully settled. Older records use fair do's, and dictionary evidence connects the phrase with fair shares or fair treatment.

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