What does “Clean bill of health” mean?
"Clean bill of health" means a statement or document confirming that someone is in good health.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After a thorough examination, the doctor gave him a clean bill of health.
Example
She was relieved to receive a clean bill of health after her medical tests.
Example
The athlete was required to provide a clean bill of health before participating in the competition
Is “Clean bill of health” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Clean bill of health” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Clean bill of health” effectively in context?
You can use "Clean bill of health" to describe a situation where someone is confirmed to be in good health. It emphasizes the absence of any health issues or concerns. For example, if a friend has been worried about their medical test results, you can say, 'Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get a clean bill of health.'
- 1Medical Check-up
After a thorough examination, the doctor gave him a clean bill of health.
- 2Test Results
She was relieved to receive a clean bill of health after her medical tests.
- 3Participation Requirements
The athlete was required to provide a clean bill of health before participating in the competition.
Similar phrases to “Clean bill of health”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Clean bill of health” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Clean bill of health" can be traced back to the maritime industry. In the past, ships were required to have a document called a 'bill of health' before entering or leaving a port. This document confirmed that the crew and passengers on board were not carrying any contagious diseases. If a ship had a 'clean bill of health,' it meant that everyone on board was healthy and posed no risk of spreading illnesses.
Is “Clean bill of health” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Clean bill of health" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used in medical contexts or when discussing someone's overall well-being.
What tone does “Clean bill of health” have?
"Clean bill of health" conveys a tone of relief and reassurance. It is typically used to provide comfort or to celebrate good news regarding someone's health.
Can “Clean bill of health” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "clean bill of health" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely understood expression that refers to someone's health status. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as medical consultations or official documents.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The doctor gave her a clean bill of health.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I got a "clean bill of health"!' to express good news about one's health.
