fill the bill

F

fill the bill
or fit the bill

Meaning

• be exactly suitable for a particular situation
• to be the exact match for something
• to be the most suitable candidate for an activity, job or to carry a responsibility
• to be the person who can carry a task forward

Example Sentences

1. The person who claims he fills the bill for the role of such an important office should at least be decent with his communication on social networks. This guy is not worth the people’s while.
2. This position requires a strong sense of self because someone who does not know himself cannot counsel others and just would not fill the bill.
3. He fills the bill for the job that you were speaking to me about yesterday in the restaurant.
4. I don’t think anyone will be able to fill the bill to become her husband, her list of requirements is way too long.
5. The country hit by terrorism needs a strong leader, and the new Prime Minister just doesn’t fill the bill.

Origin

The origin of this phrase comes from being able to fill a position exactly. In the olden times, bills would be describing job and political positions and if a candidate could fill the bill then he would be eligible to apply. The phrase is commonplace in the human resources world with the “bill” being equal to job responsibilities.

Synonym

• fit the bill