fill the bill

Idioms and Phrases

Serve a particular purpose well, as in I was afraid there wasn't enough chicken for everyone, but this casserole will fill the bill , or Karen's testimony just fills the bill, so we're sure to get a conviction . This expression alludes to adding less-known performers to a program (or bill ) in order to make a long enough entertainment. [First half of 1800s]

Related Words

• advance
• aid
• assist
• contribute to
• enhance
• favor
• further
• help
• improve
• pay
• pay off
• promote
• serve