A clean bill of health
Meaning
A declaration or certification that someone or something is free from illness, disease, or problems.
Origin
Long before modern quarantine regulations, ships arriving at bustling ports during the Age of Sail faced scrutiny to prevent the spread of devastating diseases like the plague. Every vessel was required to carry a 'bill of health'—a crucial document issued by the authorities at its port of departure. This official paper attested to the health status of everyone onboard. If the ship had voyaged without incident and no one had fallen ill, it was granted a 'clean bill of health,' signaling a safe passage and allowing immediate docking and trade. However, a 'foul bill' meant forced isolation and strict quarantine. This vital maritime practice, certifying the absence of disease, eventually sailed into common language, evolving into its current use to declare anyone or anything perfectly sound and free of trouble.
Examples
- After a thorough check-up, the doctor gave the athlete a clean bill of health, clearing him to return to the field.
- The auditors gave the company a clean bill of health, assuring investors that its finances were in excellent order.