Fair Share Meaning: What Does the Popular Idiom "Fair Share" Mean? • 7ESL

The phrase “fair share” may be a phrase that you encounter often in everyday conversation and writing. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and the information regarding its origin. You will also find examples of how to properly use this phrase in conversations/statements and discover alternative ways to say this phrase while still conveying the same meaning.

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Fair Share

Fair Share Meaning

The phrase “fair share” means the total negative or positive amount of something that someone deserves or is entitled to receive or have in a situation. The phrase is often proceeded by the words “more than” to indicate someone has received more than they should have.

Origin of this idiom

The phrase “fair share” is simply two words paired together based on their meanings to make the meaning of the phrase. The definition of the word fair here is used as an adverb to mean don’t cheat and take more than you are entitled to.

The word “share” in this phrase is used in this phrase as a noun to mean an equal part of something. Used in combination it means that you have received the right amount or part of something without cheating and taking more than you deserve. The word fair has been used in this sense since 1776 and share has been used since the 1590s. One can only assume that the phrase “fair share” began being used after 1776.

“Fair Share” Examples

Example Statements

An actress speaking on the red carpet during an interview.

“I have been around a while and have received more than my fair share of attention. I enjoy it though!”

A statement made in a local news report about a family.

“This family has seen more than their fair share of misfortune.”

Example Conversations

A conversation between a mother and her daughter.

Daughter: Mom, can I have some more cake?
Mother: No, Sabrina, you may not.
Daughter: Why can’t I?
Mother: Because your father and brother haven’t had any yet and you have had your fair share.

A conversation between two co-workers in the office.

Co-worker 1: I think you should take credit for the project being done on time.
Co-worker 2: What? I don’t deserve that. You did most of the work.
Co-worker 1: I’ve been with the company for years. I have received my fair share of recognition. You truly deserve this. Stop being so humble.

Helpful examples:

I’ve had more than my fair share of troubles in my time.
We’ve all paid our fair share except Portia, who’s never got any money.
He’d had more than his fair share of adventure.
She has done her fair share of globetrotting.
The idealistic arm of animal protectionism also includes its fair share of extremists, such as the now-infamous Animal Liberation Front.

Other Ways to Say “Fair Share”

As is the case with most phrases, the phrase “fair share” can be said is many different ways. Some of the other ways you can say this phrase and convey the same meaning include:

Your equal portion of something
The correct amount of something
The amount that you deserve and no more

7ESL

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