fill the bill

Idioms

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

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fill the bill

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

From Salon ● Jun. 19, 2026

But owing to the fact that we are working almost out of doors, with the elements apparently conspiring against us, it is impossible to fill the bill as we anticipated.

From Slate ● Jun. 2, 2019

Woolam wondered if a handmade version, lovingly created by crafters, would fill the bill — and fit the bra.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 22, 2017

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

fill the bill

Example Sentences

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