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Synonyms

fill the bill

Idioms  
  1. Serve a particular purpose well, as in I was afraid there wasn't enough chicken for everyone, but this casserole will fill the bill, or Karen's testimony just fills the bill, so we're sure to get a conviction. This expression alludes to adding less-known performers to a program (or bill) in order to make a long enough entertainment. [First half of 1800s]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

I know we can fill the bill on the first two.

From Salon Jun. 19, 2026

“He looks like he can fill the bill well.’

From Seattle Times Jun. 8, 2023

No matter what kind of dessert I’m looking for, this adaptable almond torte can fill the bill.

From New York Times Aug. 6, 2021

The cast members all fill the bill in a show that may not make strenuous acting demands but offers opportunities for performers not just to impersonate but to personalize their famous roles.

From Los Angeles Times May 19, 2017

The only unisex singular pronoun we have is it, which doesn’t always fill the bill.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

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