FIELD DAY, FIGHT TOOTH AND NAIL, FILL/FIT THE BILL: American English Idioms #70

FIELD DAY

A field day is a way to show off what one has achieved. It is also an event where people are invited to be part of the planning and execution.

In the U.S., a “field day” refers to an outdoor activity in which students from a school gather to compete against one another in various contests, such as running, kicking a soccer ball, or throwing a softball. The term can also mean an outdoor recess or playtime for students, typically during the warmer months of the year when children have more energy and stamina.

The idiom field day is often used to describe a time of relaxation and enjoyment. This could be because people are spending time outdoors which doesn’t happen often in colder climates, or because they’re participating in sports and other recreational activities.

A field day is a period of recuperation for a team, organization, or institution. It is a chance to rest and refocus after a taxing period of work. For example, when NASA employees have been working for months without time off from the Apollo project, they may hold a field day during which they can hone technical skills or relax in nature.

FIGHT TOOTH AND NAIL

Fight tooth-and-nail is a metaphor meaning to fight with the utmost effort, even if it means being completely destructive. The phrase can also be used as an idiom.

To “fight tooth and nail” is to fight hard with every resource you have. It’s often used to describe a person who puts up a good fight for their cause, for example if someone were defending the rights of people with disabilities.

Fight tooth and nail is a figure of speech meaning to make a vigorous, often determined effort. The phrase’s usage is derived from the image of someone fighting with their teeth and nails on the ground. The term can also mean to fight at risk of one’s life or with every ounce of energy left in one.

The phrase to fight tooth and nail can be translated as, “to work very hard to achieve something”. The phrase is often used in the context of a battle, where one side will fight their hardest to win.

FILL/FIT THE BILL

A person or thing can “fit for the bill” if they are qualified to do something, or if they are appropriate to the situation. So in this sense it means they fit the bill. It’s not anything too complicated, just that it means they fit the bill.

The term “fit the bill” means to do what is required. The idiom would be used in the following context: “You are currently unemployed, but you are very qualified for this position. Would you be interested in taking it?

You feel like you could fit the bill, so you put your best foot forward. You’ve been waiting for an opportunity to impress and you think this might be your chance. The competition is fierce, and everyone is vying for the same job opening. You’re up against some stiff competition, but before you know it, they’re all scrambling and you land the gig!

Fitting the bill means that something is perfect for a particular situation. For example, you might say that someone’s qualifications fit the bill for a certain job.

One thought on “FIELD DAY, FIGHT TOOTH AND NAIL, FILL/FIT THE BILL: American English Idioms #70

Leave a Reply to 5.18.1: Year 5 American English Vocabulary - USA English Institute Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Translate »