PhrasesHub

Ship shape and Bristol fashion

    Definitions

      • well-organized and tidy
        Describing something as being in good order and well-maintained

      • high standard of quality
        Referring to something that is of superior quality and meets high standards

    Examples of Ship shape and Bristol fashion

    • The cruise ship arrived at the dock spotless and perfectly maintained, just as you'd expect from a vessel that's ship shape and Bristol fashion.

      This is a classic use of the idiom, describing the condition of the ship as being in top-notch condition, both clean and structurally sound. "Ship shape" refers to the ship being in a tidy and organized manner, while "Bristol fashion" adds the aspect of being in optimal condition due to regular upkeep and maintenance.

    • After months of hard work and dedication, Sarah's presentation was ship shape and Bristol fashion, with all of her data and arguments presented in a clear and organized manner.

      In this example, we're applying the idiom to describe something other than a ship. Here, it's being used to express that Sarah's presentation was extremely well-organized and polished, with all of the details and arguments presented in a clear and logical manner.

    • The hotel owner took pride in ensuring that every aspect of his establishment was ship shape and Bristol fashion, from the cleanliness of the rooms to the friendliness of the staff.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe not just the physical condition of a place, but also the overall experience of being there. Here, the hotel owner goes above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of the hotel is in top condition, from the cleanliness of the rooms to the quality of service provided by the staff.

    • Despite the rough waters, the sailor's confidence remained unshaken, knowing that his ship was ship shape and Bristol fashion.

      In this example, we see how the idiom can also convey a sense of trust and confidence. The sailor's belief that his ship is in excellent condition gives him the confidence to weather even the roughest of seas.

    • The crew proudly presented the ship, which was in pristine condition, clean and well-maintained, as "ship shape and Bristol fashion."

      This idiom is used to describe a ship that is neat, smoothed out, and in excellent condition, as if it has just emerged from Bristol, a seaport city in England known for its shipbuilding industry and ships that are well-built and sail efficiently.

    • The airline assured passengers that their planes would be "ship shape and Bristol fashion," implying that the planes would be thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and fully functional before departing.

      This idiom highlights the importance of maintaining cleanliness, orderliness, and functionality in any travel vehicle, be it a ship or an airplane, emphasizing the criticality of ensuring passenger and crew safety and comfort.

    • The product was designed and manufactured with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring that it was "ship shape and Bristol fashion." It was then presented to the market with a guarantee of excellence in quality and functionality.

      This idiom is commonly used in business contexts, particularly when describing products that are expertly crafted, packaged, and presented to the market, with emphasis on their high level of quality and functionality.

    • The employees took pride in keeping the office in "ship shape and Bristol fashion," with clean desks, file cabinets, and equipment, implying that the environment was organized, efficient, and conducive to productivity.

      This idiom emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient working environment, in contrast to a messy, cluttered, and disorganized one, which can negatively affect productivity, morale, and hygiene.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "ship shape and Bristol fashion" is used to describe something that is well-organized, tidy, and of high quality. It is often used to praise the condition or standard of something, such as a well-maintained room or a product that meets high standards.

    It can also be used to encourage or remind someone to keep things in good order, and to strive for excellence in their work or personal life. Overall, the idiom conveys a sense of efficiency, excellence, and attention to detail.

    Origin of "Ship shape and Bristol fashion"

    The origin of the idiom "ship shape and Bristol fashion" can be traced back to the port city of Bristol in England. In the 19th century, Bristol was known for its thriving maritime trade and shipbuilding industry. Ships that were constructed in Bristol were known for their high quality and meticulous attention to detail in their construction and maintenance.

    The term "ship shape" refers to the meticulous organization and tidiness of a ship, while "Bristol fashion" emphasizes the high standard of quality associated with ships from Bristol. Over time, the phrase "ship shape and Bristol fashion" came to be used more broadly to describe anything that is well-organized and of superior quality. Today, the idiom is widely used in English-speaking countries to convey the idea of things being in good order and of high quality.