across the board

• across-the-board

Originated with horse racing, where an "across the board" bet was one which covered first, second and third on the betting board.

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across the board

1. (idiomatic) Pertaining to all categories or things.
   • 1949, United States Congress Committee on Post Office and Civil Service, Hearings:

     […] in favor of a straight across-the-board salary increase […]

   • 1983, A. Premchard, Government Budgeting and Expenditure: Theory and Practice:

     A common technique (variously known as an emergency brake or meat axe budgeting) used by governments is across-the-board cuts;

   • 1998, Shahid Javed Burki, Guillermo Perry, Beyond the Washington Consensus: Institutions Matter:

     Chile provides the region's best example of a country that has successfully reformed its core public administration across the board.

2. (gambling) Having an equal amount staked on a competitor placing first, second, or third.
3. (chess) Of a move or sequence of play, made in response to developments occurring in the game, as opposed to pre-planned or according to theory.