Across the board means equally for everyone or everything; it refers to a decision or action that applies to all members of a group or all items in a category without exception.
Meaning and usage:
This idiom is often used in discussions related to policies, changes, or evaluations that impact all relevant parties or items uniformly. It emphasizes fairness and inclusivity in the decision-making process.
Examples of usage:
In the context of education:
“The school board raised the pay of all the teachers across the board, ensuring equal salary increases.”
Regarding budget adjustments:
“Congress cut the budget by reducing the money for each department 10 percent across the board, affecting all areas equally.”
In a business environment:
“The new policy applied bonuses across the board, rewarding all employees for their hard work.”
Why and when to use this idiom:
The phrase across the board is useful in both formal and informal contexts when discussing policies or decisions that affect a group or a range of items. English learners can incorporate this idiom when talking about changes in business, education, government, or any other field where equitable treatment is relevant.
Equivalent expressions:
- “In all areas” – This phrase conveys a similar idea of uniform application across different segments.
- “For everyone” – A straightforward alternative that emphasizes equal treatment.
- “Without exception” – This expression highlights that no one or nothing is excluded from the action or decision.
Using across the board helps articulate the concept of fairness and comprehensive applicability in various situations, making it a valuable expression in discussions about equality and policy changes.
