shipshape and Bristol fashion

shipshape and Bristol fashion

In perfect order; existing, functioning, or operating exactly as desired, intended, or expected. Primarily heard in UK. Everything is shipshape and Bristol fashion as the hugely anticipated music festival prepares to open. In the face of recent criticism and controversy, the company has had a hard time convincing consumers and investors that its business is shipshape and Bristol ready.
See also: and, fashion
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

shipshape and Bristol fashion

with everything in good order.
Recorded from the mid 19th century, this term originally referred to the commercial prosperity of the port of Bristol and the good condition of its shipping.
See also: and, fashion
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • on the rails
  • under control
  • in phase
  • in phase (with someone or something)
  • in phase/out of phase
  • be under control
  • babber
  • alright me babber
  • alright my babber
  • ark
References in periodicals archive
What would you say in English: shipshape and Bristol fashion? Is that correct?
MORNING SERIAL
Seashell frosted glass candle holders, PS10, Look shipshape As crisp as a sail tied to the mast, this is a perfect way to get your bathroom looking shipshape and Bristol fashion.
FISH IN FOR COMPLIMENTS; Want to make your friends go ga-ga at your tableware, decor and bathroom accoutrements? Go fishing to sea the light and you'll shore feel truly summery
SEAN O'DRISCOLL & JOHN WARD: Managers struggling to avoid the drop SHIPSHAPE and Bristol fashion went out of vogue long ago in the city where football is an endangered species.
A city in crisis but the bosses have no time for Bristol pity
So come on Coventry City Council, have a word with your neighbours in Rugby and then maybe UHCW could be in shipshape and Bristol fashion, as it is such a massive concern and needs someone at the helm.
Hospital access should be number one priority; Lettersextra
The old saying is that everything is shipshape and Bristol fashion ...
Shipshape and Bristol fashion
These strapping Navy lads came ashore to ensure a beauty spot was shipshape and Bristol fashion.
Crew get dene ship-shape; SAILORS FROM NEWCASTLE'S ADOPTED SHIP SPRUCE UP BEAUTY SPOT
THERE is little which is shipshape and Bristol fashion about Gloucestershire this season and they look hugely vulnerable against local rivals Somerset in the Friends Provident Trophy today.
Cricket: Cidermen look ripe to kick-start double
All shipshape and Bristol fashion. Despite energy markets in turmoil and economic patriotism smeared across the font pages for the past three weeks, EU leaders skillfully avoided controversy at their dinner on Thursday 23 March by focusing on the future of EU energy policy.
ECONOMIC PROTECTIONISM : EU LEADERS STEER CLEAR OF CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS
The phrase 'shipshape and Bristol fashion' is the latest piece of British vernacular to be condemned as politically incorrect - and even racist.
Old term not so shipshape
As the summer season continues, it is foolish to let the work to keep your garden shipshape and Bristol fashion pile up, so this week is the time to consider the following:
Jobs this week in the garden
I recently wrote how I hoped that Liverpool city centre would be shipshape and Bristol fashion in time for 2008.
Susan Lee: Council is having a laugh
1979: Karen Stevens in shipshape and Bristol fashion at the Boat & Leisure Show.
Living: 25 years of the NEC; WERE YOU THERE?
Everything's definitely shipshape and Bristol fashion when you climb aboard the Hooters Air jets .
Up and wha-hey with Hooters Air
And the dish of the day that's shipshape and Bristol fashion for hundreds of Scots workers.
The Curry Sark