What Does “fit as a fiddle” mean?
Definition:
If you are as fit as a fiddle, you are well and fit.
Origin
The term fiddle means violin while the word “fit” used to mean “suitable for the purpose,” a meaning that is different from today’s use of the word. It is only since the 19th century that “fit” has had the sense of “in good shape” or “in good condition”.
One of the first recorded forms of this simile is by the English pamphleteer, poet, and playwright Thomas Nashe who wrote in Have With You To Saffron-Walden, Or, Gabriell Harveys hunt is up (1596):
…his methode as right as a fiddle.
Later, the phrase fit as a flea has become popular in British English. In addition to the alliteration, this idiom (i.e., “fit as a fly”) is probably derived from the idea that a flea has to be very fit to demonstrate such wonderful flying skill.
Example(s)
Although she’s in her 90s, she’s (as) fit as a fiddle.
It’s amazing how he feels (as) fit as a fiddle after the heart surgery.
