Meaning & use
fits the bill
Last updated
Meaning
phraseidiom
To be suitable for a particular purpose or role.
Grammar: Used with a subject that is the thing or person being considered suitable; often followed by 'for' to specify the purpose.
Patterns
- something fits the bill
- someone fits the bill
- fits the bill for something
We need a quiet hotel for the conference, and this one fits the bill perfectly.
The new software fits the bill for small businesses that need simple accounting.
If you want a reliable car, this model fits the bill.
Common combinations
- fit the bill for
- She fits the bill for the job because she has exactly the right experience.
- exactly fits the bill
- The apartment exactly fits the bill: it's close to work and affordable.
- fit the bill perfectly
- The restaurant fits the bill perfectly for a birthday dinner.
- seems to fit the bill
- This candidate seems to fit the bill, but we should interview others too.
Synonyms and how they differ
Practice
Which sentence uses 'fits the bill' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Fits the bill' means is suitable, and is often followed by 'for' to show the role or purpose. Option 1 is wrong because 'fits the bill' doesn't mean 'fits physically in a space'. Option 3 is grammatically wrong because 'fits' is third-person singular, so 'I fits' is incorrect. Option 4 is wrong because 'to' is not the correct preposition; we say 'fits the bill for'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “fits the bill”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.