a fair shake
noun
informal
: a fair deal : fair treatment
The judge gave him a fair shake, requiring him to perform community service.
She expected to get a fair shake from her boss.
Examples of a fair shake in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Her association feels the bill did not get a fair shake and will continue to advocate for it in California and for a federal law equivalent.
—
Lizzie Kane,
Sacbee.com,
24 June 2026
Under Big 12 bylaws, Texas Tech is owed a fair shake to make its argument before the conference acts against it.
—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
13 June 2026
The Rooney Rule is simply there to make sure the door is cracked ajar if not flung open wide for minority candidates who might otherwise not be given a fair shake.
—
Greg Cote
updated March 30,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Here’s hoping baseball’s little guys get a fair shake — one that’s long overdue.
—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Jan. 2026
Why wouldn’t John Henry do everything in his power to make sure these essential Red Sox team members get a fair shake?
—
Daniel A. Gilbert,
Boston Herald,
3 Aug. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Lizzie Kane,
Sacbee.com,
24 June 2026
Under Big 12 bylaws, Texas Tech is owed a fair shake to make its argument before the conference acts against it.
—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
13 June 2026
The Rooney Rule is simply there to make sure the door is cracked ajar if not flung open wide for minority candidates who might otherwise not be given a fair shake.
—
Greg Cote
updated March 30,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Here’s hoping baseball’s little guys get a fair shake — one that’s long overdue.
—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Jan. 2026
Why wouldn’t John Henry do everything in his power to make sure these essential Red Sox team members get a fair shake?
—
Daniel A. Gilbert,
Boston Herald,
3 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“A fair shake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20fair%20shake. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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