Fill/fit the bill

phrase

To be suitable for a particular purpose or situation.

We need a new sofa and this one fits the bill perfectly.
Visual representation of "fill/fit the bill" - To be suitable for a particular purpose or situation

Often appears as...

  • fits the bill perfectly
  • it fits the bill

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

To be suitable for a particular purpose or situation.

We need a new sofa and this one fits the bill perfectly.
Visual representation of "fill/fit the bill" - To be suitable for a particular purpose or situation

Often appears as...

  • fits the bill perfectly
  • it fits the bill

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "fill/fit the bill"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Usage

Mainly used in idiomatic contexts, so it can seem out of place in very formal writing.

Illustration for Idiomatic Usage
While writing a formal report, 'meet the requirements' is preferred over 'fills the bill'.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Personal Suitability

Often used when a choice is well-suited to one's personal needs or tastes.

Illustration for Personal Suitability
For a foodie like me, a kitchen with modern appliances really fills the bill.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Expression

In American English, it's more common to say 'fit the bill' than 'fill the bill'.

Illustration for Cultural Expression
I need a budget-friendly hotel, and this one fits the bill.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Usage

Mainly used in idiomatic contexts, so it can seem out of place in very formal writing.

Illustration for Idiomatic Usage
While writing a formal report, 'meet the requirements' is preferred over 'fills the bill'.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Personal Suitability

Often used when a choice is well-suited to one's personal needs or tastes.

Illustration for Personal Suitability
For a foodie like me, a kitchen with modern appliances really fills the bill.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Expression

In American English, it's more common to say 'fit the bill' than 'fill the bill'.

Illustration for Cultural Expression
I need a budget-friendly hotel, and this one fits the bill.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Usage

Mainly used in idiomatic contexts, so it can seem out of place in very formal writing.

Illustration for Idiomatic Usage
While writing a formal report, 'meet the requirements' is preferred over 'fills the bill'.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Personal Suitability

Often used when a choice is well-suited to one's personal needs or tastes.

Illustration for Personal Suitability
For a foodie like me, a kitchen with modern appliances really fills the bill.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Expression

In American English, it's more common to say 'fit the bill' than 'fill the bill'.

Illustration for Cultural Expression
I need a budget-friendly hotel, and this one fits the bill.
Visual representation of the word "Fill/fit the bill"

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