in fine feather

Idioms and Phrases

Also, in good or high feather . In excellent form, health, or humor. For example, He was in fine feather, joking with all his visitors . These expressions all allude to a bird's healthy plumage, a usage dating from the late 1500s and no longer very common.

Example Sentences

Among the new tales of Spanish valor told us on the Alhambra hill was this:— When lots were drawn for military service, one blithe young scapegrace found in his hand a fortunate high number, but, walking away in fine feather over his luck, he met the mother of a friend of his, sobbing wildly as she went.

From Project Gutenberg

The old fellow was in fine feather and full of jokes.

From Project Gutenberg

Pegasus was in fine feather, which seems a strange thing to say of a horse, but of one whose name suggests wings, perhaps it is appropriate.

From Project Gutenberg

She can teach them lots of good things and they can be handed back to you in fine feather when your time is yours to enjoy again.”

From Project Gutenberg

Without benefit of egg, he was born 50 years ago this week in a movie called The Wise Little Hen, and Donald Duck is still in fine feather.

From Time Magazine Archive

Related Words

• active
• athletic
• fresh
• healthful
• hearty
• lively
• normal
• robust
• strong
• tough
• vigorous