Square Deals

Square Deals

Every day of our lives are filled with transactions, all sorts of deals, agreements, adjustments and understandings. That is the very fabric of social, commercial and family lives. It is here that the worth of our word and deeds are seen and measured. It is here that our deals assume a shape – square or not.

A square deal is an honest and fair transaction or trade. When you say something that is agreeable and fair and adheres to it, it is referred to as a square deal. A deal that has ended with all sides adhering to their words or one that is ongoing in exactly the way that was agreed upon. Square deals are looked upon with respect, regardless of their size or impact.

The word assumed its current meaning when the American Government set forth some basic policies to protect labour rights. These policies called Square Deal was a set of policies that attempted to prevent further labor abuses and improve workplace safety, protect the natural landscape, and improve the overall health and well-being of Americans. However later it came to be used for any deal that is honest, fair and agreeable for all concerned.

I guess I got a square deal in the sale of my house would mean that I feel the price was fair and I have no reason to complain about. It is an indicator that I would be happy to deal with this person in another deal.

There are however a great many, whose words and deeds do not match. They use words that mislead those they deal with. They find excuses for not doing what they were supposed to do and most importantly they deny or reduce payments of hand overs of goods, they were supposed to have done. For instance if someone were to strike a deal with you to do a certain piece of work, and then deny them their rightful remuneration after getting it is clearly a deal that is not square.

Those that use underhanded methods to deal in a manner that is not square are not from any particular background and could be well dressed and much respected people. They obviously have been able to hide the sly nature of their character from the public eye and thus maintain their position of respect. But as the saying goes all will never stay hidden forever and the cheat will be revealed. The later the worse it will be for them.