What it means
A chirpy old-school way to say someone's feeling really healthy, lively, and back to full power. You use it when someone's bounced back after being rough, when an older relative's weirdly energetic, or when you yourself feel fresh, sturdy, and ready to crack on.
Usage examples
"Nurse asked how I was after the op, and I went, fit as a fiddle, mate. Had a cuppa, took the stairs, nearly beat everyone to the ward."
"My grandfather is eighty-six and still fit as a fiddle, he walks five miles before breakfast."
"After two weeks off the booze I feel fit as a fiddle, properly back in the game."
"Couple days ago I was flat on my back, now I'm fit as a fiddle and annoying everyone again."
"You should've seen Nan at the wedding, dancing all night and up first for breakfast, fit as a fiddle."
Voice comments
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Where it comes from
This idiom's been in English since the early 1600s. Back then fit often meant being in proper condition or nicely suited, not just athletic. The fiddle part points to an instrument tuned up and working sweetly, so the phrase grew into a cheerful way to say someone was in excellent health.
Other ways to say it
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