across-the-board Definition

across
prep

1. To, at or on the other side of something.

Thesaurus: opposite (to), to the other side of, athwart, facing, in front of.
2. From one side of something to the other.
3. So as to cross something.

Example: arms folded across the chest

adverb

1. To, at or on the other side.
2. From one side to the other.

Thesaurus: crosswise, to the opposite side, transversely, from side to side, from one side to another, athwart.
3. In a crossword: in the horizontal direction. Compare down adverb 10.

Example: 6 across

Derivative: across the board
adverb, adj

Generally or general; applying in all cases.
Example: an across-the-board increase in pay
Thesaurus: common, general, universal.

Etymology: 15c as adverb meaning ‘crossed' or ‘crosswise': a-¹ + cross.