Fit the bill

Fit the bill means to fulfil or measure up to the required standard and dates from the early 20th century. It is thought to derive from an earlier American expression, 'fill the bill', which dates from the the mid-19th century, where a vaudeville or theatrical act was called in at the last minute to complete the bill or programme offered to the audience. Such an act would have to come up to the required standard in order to 'fill the bill".