A Clean Bill of Health

Be Given a Clear Bill of Health

What Does “A Clean Bill of Health” Mean?

Idioms In English

Definition

This idiom is used when someone or something is declared healthy, in good condition, or legally compliant after an inspection or examination.

In simple terms: If someone gets a clean bill of health, they are perfectly healthy. If a company or product gets a clean bill of health, it meets all necessary standards or requirements.

Origin of the Idiom

Origin of the Idiom "A clear Bill of Health"

The phrase dates back to the mid-18th century. A “bill of health” was an official document given to a ship, certifying that there were no infectious diseases onboard. The ship’s captain had to present this document to the authorities at the next port of call.

If a ship lacked a clean bill of health, it could be quarantined to prevent the spread of disease.

Originally, the phrase referred to people on a ship, but it took on a broader, figurative meaning over time. Today, it can describe anything that is considered safe, legal, or in good condition.

Example: “The inspector gave our product a clean bill of health.”

Usage: When to Use This Idiom

Be Given A Clean Bill of Health
Be Given A Clean Bill of Health

You can use “a clean bill of health” in various situations:

  • Medical context: When a doctor declares someone healthy.
  • Business context: When a company passes an inspection or audit.
  • Legal context: When something is deemed lawful or compliant.
  • Personal context: When someone recovers from an illness or passes a fitness test.
  • Pratique (a clearance given to a ship)
  • Approbation
  • Approval
  • Seal of approval
  • All clear
  • Given the green light

Examples in Sentences

  1. After months of treatment, Maria finally got a clean bill of health from her doctor.
  2. The restaurant passed the hygiene inspection and received a clean bill of health.
  3. The building project was given a clean bill of health after a safety review.
  4. He was worried about the test results, but the doctor gave him a clean bill of health.
  5. The investigation cleared the company, and they were given a clean bill of health.

Common Mistakes

  • Using it only for health: Remember, this idiom can refer to more than just physical health — it can also be used for safety, legality, or quality.
  • Mixing up literal and figurative meanings: In modern use, the phrase is often metaphorical. Be sure to match the context!

Practice Exercise:

all clear -seal – approved – pratique – approval – green – a clean bill of health

Fill in the Blanks with the Words or Expressions from the List above:

  1. After the final discussion between the members of the board, the idea was _____________.
  2. The ship couldn’t dock until it received ___________ from the port authorities.
  3. My father went for a check-up, and thankfully, he got _____________.
  4. The new product received the CEO’s ___________ before going to market.
  5. The company’s updated policies earned them the government’s official ___________ of approval.
  6. The construction project was given the ___________ light after passing the environmental assessment.
  7. The doctor examined the athlete and gave her the ___________ to compete in the championship.

1. → After the final discussion between the members of the board, the idea was approved
2. → The ship couldn’t dock until it received pratique from the port authorities.
3. → My father went for a check-up, and thankfully, he got a clean bill of health
4. → The new product received the CEO’s approval before going to market.
5. → The company’s updated policies earned them the government’s official seal of approval
6. → The construction project was given the green light after passing the environmental assessment.
7. → The doctor examined the athlete and gave her the all clear to compete in the championship.

This idiom is in the health category.

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