What Does “Clean Bill of Health” Mean?
- A clean bill of health is a report or notification from a doctor that one is healthy and free of disease or other health conditions.
- A report that an organization is operating correctly and within guidelines or regulations.
- A report that states the absence of a flaw or malfunction in something, such as a computer or machine.
- A report that states the absence of fault or guilt in a person.
Also used: Give Someone a Clean Bill of Health
Usually, someone is ‘given a clean bill of health’ by a doctor or other health professional. To give someone a clean bill of health is to declare them healthy and fit after a thorough examination.
Sentence Examples
“My doctor gave me a clean bill of health. He says I can compete in the marathon with no worries.”
“After his cancer scare, Dan was happy to be given a clean bill of health by his doctor.”
“After a thorough inspection, the restaurant was given a clean bill of health by the local health department.”
“Our books have been gown over thoroughly by an independent firm and we were given a clean bill of health.”
“How did your meeting with the shrink go?” “Oh, wonderful. A clean bill of health.” — Me, Myself & Irene (2000)
“I’m on for another hour, anything you need?” “Clean bill of health if you got one.” — The Bucket List (2008)
Origin of Clean Bill of Health
This idiom is based on the 17th century practice of a ship’s crew being examined by a health official and the ship being given a clean bill of health if no infectious disease was found. A ship had to present this ‘bill’ before landing at a port.