PhrasesHub

Fit the bill

    Definitions

      • fulfill requirements
        Meet the necessary qualifications or conditions for a specific role or purpose

      • be suitable
        Be appropriate or suitable for a particular situation or need

    Examples of Fit the bill

    • The steak dinner at that restaurant fit the bill perfectly.

      This idiom is used when something meets all the necessary requirements or expectations. In this example, the speaker is saying that the steak dinner at that restaurant was exactly what they were looking for and satisfied all their requirements for a good meal.

    • The movie's plot was a bit predictable, but it still fit the bill for a mindless entertainment.

      Here, the speaker is saying that while the movie's plot was not very original, it still served its purpose of providing entertainment that did not require a lot of thinking.

    • The new software program fit the bill for our company's needs.

      In this example, the speaker is saying that the new software program met all the necessary requirements for their company's specific needs and purposes.

    • The hiking trail was a bit challenging, but it fit the bill for an exhilarating experience.

      Here, the speaker is saying that while the hiking trail was a bit difficult, it still provided the desired level of excitement and adventure.

    • The hotel's amenities fit the bill for a luxurious stay.

      This idiom is used when something provides a high level of luxury or comfort. In this example, the speaker is saying that the hotel's amenities met all the necessary requirements for a luxurious and comfortable stay.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "fit the bill" is commonly used to express the idea of meeting requirements or being suitable for a particular purpose. It can refer to someone who has the necessary skills or qualifications for a job or task, or to something that is suitable for a specific situation or need.

    In both cases, the intention is to convey the idea of being a perfect match or fit for a certain role or purpose. This can be used in a positive or negative sense, depending on the context. For example, someone may fit the bill for a job or project, meaning they are well-suited and capable of fulfilling the requirements. On the other hand, something may not fit the bill, indicating that it is not suitable or appropriate for the situation.

    Origin of "Fit the bill"

    The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the 1800s in America. The word "bill" in this context refers to a list of items or charges, specifically in reference to a bill of sale or invoice. This led to the phrase "fit the bill" being used to describe someone or something that matched or fulfilled the requirements or expectations.

    Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from the theater, where actors would often be asked to "fit the bill" for a specific role, meaning they had the right appearance, skills, and personality to portray the character accurately.

    Regardless of its exact origin, "fit the bill" has become a commonly used idiom in both spoken and written English, and its meaning and usage have remained consistent over time.