ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fit the bill

idiom
Meaning

To satisfy a need; to serve a purpose; to fulfill specified requirements.


Origin

disputed origin

From earlier fill the bill, perhaps from the program (or bill) of theatrical acts.

Examples
SIMPLE

This small car should fit the bill for your daily commute.

CONTEXTUAL

We needed a quiet place to host the meeting, and this local library room seems to fit the bill perfectly.

COMPLEX

After reviewing dozens of candidates, the committee concluded that only one applicant possessed the unique combination of skills required to fit the bill for the executive position.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bill of goods

    A set of misleading or deceptive claims.

  2. 02

    butcher's bill

    death toll

  3. 03

    canary fit

    A highly emotional state of distress, anger, etc.

  4. 04

    Christmas tree bill

    A bill consisting of many riders that attracts many, often unrelated, floor amendments, which may provide special benefits to various groups or interests.

  5. 05

    fit for a king

    Lavish; luxurious.

  6. 06

    fit out

    To provide a thing, a group, a person or oneself with requisites; to kit out.

  7. 07

    fit to be tied

    Very agitated or distressed; also, very angry; enraged, furious.

  8. 08

    fit to wake the dead

    At a very high volume; extremely loudly.

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