fit as a fiddle Healthy, very fit, in good physical condition. There are several possible derivations of this expression, one of which holds that a properly tuned fiddle looks and sounds so impressive that it is a compliment for a person to be compared to it. Two other possibilities claim that the original expression was fit as a fiddler in which fiddler was a nickname applied either to a boxer with fancy footwork or to the person who played the fiddle at lively Irish dances, most of which lasted from dusk to dawn without any breaks. In both cases, the fiddler would have to be physically fit and have great stamina to last throughout the event. Similar expressions are fine as a fiddle and face made of a fiddle, the latter used to describe someone who is exceptionally attractive.

in fine feather See ELATION.

in fine fettle See ELATION.

in the pink In excellent health; robust. This familiar expression, derived as a shortening of the phrase in the pink of condition ‘the most perfect state of something, ’ probably developed its current figurative sense as an allusion to the rosy complexion of a healthy person.

right as a trivet Stable, solid, sound; in good health or spirits, fine, very well; thoroughly or perfectly right.

The allusion is to a literal trivet, a three-legged stand or support, which stands firm on nearly any surface.

right as ninepence Perfectly well, in excellent health or spirits, in fine fettle, in good condition or shape.

The ninepence was originally a British shilling minted under Queen Elizabeth I and intended for circulation in Ireland. The coin so depreciated in value, however, that it was used as a nine-penny piece in England. Considering the unhealthy background of the nine-pence, the expression’s current meaning is somewhat ironic.

sound as a bell Healthy, fit, in fine fettle; secure or stable. The phrase appeared in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing (III, ii):

This expression is based on the fact that even the slightest imperfection markedly affects the tone of a bell. Although the expression may refer to the quality and condition of an inanimate object, it is more often applied to the soundness of the human mind and body.