Clean bill of health
Meaning
A declaration or certification that a person or thing is in excellent health or condition, free from any problems or defects.
Origin
Imagine bustling 19th-century seaports, ships laden with cargo and people arriving from distant lands. To prevent devastating outbreaks of diseases like cholera or yellow fever, port authorities demanded a critical document: a “bill of health.” This official paper, issued by the port of departure, certified the health status of all on board. If the crew and passengers were free from any contagious illness, the ship was granted a “clean bill of health,” permitting immediate entry and trade. But if disease was suspected, a “foul bill” or “suspect bill” meant a long, dreaded period of quarantine. This vital maritime practice eventually sailed into everyday language, transforming from a shipping clearance into a widespread metaphor for an individual’s perfect physical well-being, free from any hidden ailments.
Examples
- After a thorough examination, the doctor gave him a clean bill of health, assuring him he was fit to run the marathon.
- The antique car dealership prides itself on ensuring every vehicle receives a clean bill of health before it's sold.