Phrase guide

fit the bill

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Near-synonym: make the grade

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: do it, make the grade

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

be what is needed or be good enough for what is required

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • Does this restaurant fit the bill for the celebration?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: fill the bill

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: meet, fit, conform to

History

Etymology

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

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: sopia — to satisfy a need; to serve a purpose; to fulfill specified requirements
  • Finnish: täyttää odotukset — to satisfy a need; to serve a purpose; to fulfill specified requirements
  • French: faire l'affaire — to satisfy a need; to serve a purpose; to fulfill specified requirements
  • Italian: soddisfare — to satisfy a need; to serve a purpose; to fulfill specified requirements
  • Italian: essere adatto — to satisfy a need; to serve a purpose; to fulfill specified requirements
  • Polish: nadawać się — to satisfy a need; to serve a purpose; to fulfill specified requirements
  • Polish: nadać się — to satisfy a need; to serve a purpose; to fulfill specified requirements
  • Spanish: dar la talla — to satisfy a need; to serve a purpose; to fulfill specified requirements