A clean report
Meaning
A report that indicates no problems, errors, or negative findings.
Origin
The very notion of 'clean' has, for centuries, been synonymous with purity and an absence of fault. From biblical references to ceremonial cleansing, the word signifies a state free from blemish. This concept found a practical application in official documentation, perhaps most notably with the 'clean bill of health' issued to ships in the 17th century, certifying they were free of plague and safe to enter port. As modern commerce and regulatory oversight expanded, the need for clear, unambiguous assessments in audits, inspections, and examinations became paramount. The straightforward and universally understood 'clean report' thus naturally evolved, building on this long-standing linguistic tradition to denote a finding completely free of any problems or adverse remarks.
Examples
- The auditor was pleased to issue a clean report after meticulously checking all the company's financials.
- Despite the initial concerns, the medical examination came back as a clean report, much to her relief.