fit as a fiddle
/fɪt əz ə ˈfɪd.əl/
Meaning
This expression means to be in excellent physical condition, very healthy, and full of energy. It is often used to describe older people who remain surprisingly active, or someone recovering quickly from an illness. The tone is cheerful, admiring, and informal.
Examples
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My grandfather is eighty years old, but he's still as fit as a fiddle.
My grandfather is eighty years old, but he's still as fit as a fiddle.
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After a week of rest and hot soup, I'm feeling fit as a fiddle again.
After a week of rest and hot soup, I'm feeling fit as a fiddle again.
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You need to be fit as a fiddle if you want to complete this mountain hike.
You need to be fit as a fiddle if you want to complete this mountain hike.
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She recovered from her surgery in record time and is now fit as a fiddle.
She recovered from her surgery in record time and is now fit as a fiddle.
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Despite his busy work schedule, he exercises daily to stay fit as a fiddle.
Despite his busy work schedule, he exercises daily to stay fit as a fiddle.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He is fit like a fiddle.
✓ He is fit as a fiddle.
This is a comparative idiom that requires the 'as... as...' structure, not 'like'.
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✗ I need to repair my car to make it fit as a fiddle.
✓ I need to repair my car to get it running smoothly.
'Fit as a fiddle' is almost exclusively used for living things (humans or occasionally pets), not mechanical objects.
Related Expressions
Practice
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My grandmother does yoga every single morning, so she's as ___.
💡 Extremely healthy and physically fit.
Show answer
fit as a fiddle
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After recovering from the flu, I finally feel ___ again.
💡 In perfect health.
Show answer
fit as a fiddle