Across the Board
Pedagogically reviewed by LexFizz Team
Applying equally to everyone or everything in a group, without exception.
Quick meaning: "Across the board" means affecting or including all members of a group or all categories equally. For example, an across-the-board pay rise means every employee gets a pay increase, not just some.
Meaning
When something happens or applies across the board, it covers every category, person, department, or item in a group equally and without exception. It emphasises comprehensiveness and universality — nobody and nothing is left out.
The phrase is very common in business, economics, politics, and management. An across-the-board budget cut affects every department. Across-the-board price increases mean every product costs more. Across-the-board improvements mean performance has risen in every measurable area.
It can be used as an adverb ("the policy applies across the board") or as a compound modifier before a noun ("an across-the-board reduction"). Both forms are standard and widely used.
Origin
The phrase originates in horse racing. The "board" was the totalisator board — a large display at a racecourse showing the names of all the horses and the current odds. To bet "across the board" on a horse meant placing three separate bets on that horse to win, to place (finish second), and to show (finish third). In other words, you were covering all possible positive outcomes simultaneously.
This American racing term was in use by the early 20th century. Its figurative sense — meaning to cover all categories or apply to everything equally — emerged in American English during the mid-20th century and quickly spread into general use. By the 1950s it was commonplace in business and political journalism. Idioms like this are the kind of expression documented in general reference works such as the Cambridge Dictionary, which record how figurative meanings develop in everyday English.
The phrase is now fully established in both American and British English, though it may have a slightly more American flavour.
Example Sentences
The government announced across-the-board spending cuts that would affect every ministry without exception.
Sales performance improved across the board last quarter, with every product line showing growth.
The new safety regulations apply across the board — every employee must complete the training, from interns to directors.
Dialogue Example
A: Did the pay review only apply to managers, or did everyone benefit?
B: Everyone. It was an across-the-board increase — three per cent for all staff, regardless of grade or department.
Usage Notes
When used before a noun as a compound modifier, the phrase is typically hyphenated: "an across-the-board pay rise." When used as an adverb after the verb, no hyphens are needed: "the cuts applied across the board." The phrase has a neutral to formal register and fits naturally in reports, news articles, and business communication.
Common Mistakes
Some learners write it as one word ("acrosstheboard") or forget the hyphens in the compound modifier form. When you use it before a noun, remember to hyphenate: "across-the-board cuts," not "across the board cuts." Also, do not confuse it with "on board," which means something different entirely.
Related Idioms
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Quick Check: Across the Board
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “Across the Board” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “Sales performance improved _____ last quarter, with every product line showing growth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "across the board" mean?
It means applying equally to all people, categories, or areas in a group — comprehensive and without exception.
How do you use "across the board" in a sentence?
You can use it as an adverb: "The rule applies across the board." Or as a compound modifier before a noun: "an across-the-board salary increase." Both forms are correct.
Where does "across the board" come from?
It comes from American horse racing. The "board" was the totalisator board showing horses and odds. Betting "across the board" meant backing a horse to win, place, and show — covering all the outcomes on the board.
Should "across the board" be hyphenated?
Hyphenate it when it modifies a noun: "an across-the-board freeze." Do not hyphenate it when used as an adverb after the verb: "the freeze was applied across the board."
Is "across the board" formal or informal?
It is neutral to formal. It is very common in business reports, political statements, and news articles, as well as in everyday conversation.
Is "across the board" American or British English?
The phrase originated in American English but is now widely used in British English too. It is standard in both varieties and there is no difference in meaning.
What does "across-the-board pay rise" mean?
It means a pay increase that is given to all employees equally, without singling out particular groups, departments, or grades — everyone gets the same rise.
Can "across the board" be used in negative sentences?
Yes. "The improvements were not seen across the board — some departments actually declined" is a perfectly natural use, indicating that something did not apply universally.
What are some synonyms for "across the board"?
Synonyms include "universally," "across the spectrum," "wholesale," "blanket" (as in "a blanket ban"), "comprehensively," and "without exception."
What English level is needed to use this phrase?
It is most appropriate at B2 (Upper Intermediate) level, as learners need to understand compound modifiers, adverbial phrases, and the concept of universal applicability.