fit
fit in
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron)
If you manage to fit a person or task in, you manage to find time to deal with them.
We work long hours both outside and inside the home and we rush around trying to fit everything in...
I find that I just can't fit in regular domestic work.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you fit in as part of a group, you seem to belong there because you are similar to the other people in it.
She was great with the children and fitted in beautifully.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P with n
If you say that someone or something fits in, you understand how they form part of a particular situation or system.
He knew where I fitted in and what he had to do to get the best out of me...
This fits in with what you've told me.fit into
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If you fit into a particular group, you seem to belong there because you are similar to the other people in it.
It's hard to see how he would fit into the team.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If something fits into a particular situation or system, that seems to be the right place for it.
Most film locations broadly fit into two categories; those on private property and those in a public place.fit out
[PHRASAL VERB] V n P for n, V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you fit someone or something out, or you fit them up, you provide them with equipment and other things that they need. (in BRIT, also use fit up)
We helped to fit him out for a trip to the Baltic...
They spent 18 million pounds of Government funds fitting out the London headquarters.
= kit outfit up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron)
If someone fits another person up, they try to make it seem that that person is responsible for a crime. (BRIT INFORMAL)
Mr Stone said inmates who had given evidence were trying to `fit him up'...
There can never be any legitimate basis for police officers to fit up suspects they `know' to be guilty.
= frame
2
see also fit out♦♦ fit1 /f'ɪt/ (fit fits fitting fitted) BEING RIGHT OR GOING IN THE RIGHT PLACE
In American English the form fit is used in the present tense and sometimes also as the past tense and past participle of the verb.
Please look at category 13 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 [VERB] V n, V prep/adv, V prep/adv
If something fits, it is the right size and shape to go onto a person's body or onto a particular object.
The sash, kimono, and other garments were made to fit a child...
She has to go to the men's department to find trousers that fit at the waist...
Line a tin with lightly-greased greaseproof paper, making sure the corners fit well.
2 [N-SING] adj N
If something is a good fit, it fits well.
Eventually he was happy that the sills and doors were a reasonably good fit.
3 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed for n
If you are fitted for a particular piece of clothing, you try it on so that the person who is making it can see where it needs to be altered.
She was being fitted for her wedding dress.
4 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv
If something fits somewhere, it can be put there or is designed to be put there.
...a pocket computer which is small enough to fit into your pocket...
He folded his long legs to fit under the table...
5 [VERB] V n prep/adv, V n prep/adv
If you fit something into a particular space or place, you put it there.
She fitted her key in the lock...
When the crown has been made you go back and the dentist will fit it into place.
6 [VERB] V n, V n prep
If you fit something somewhere, you attach it there, or put it there carefully and securely.
Fit hinge bolts to give extra support to the door lock...
Peter had built the overhead ladders, and the next day he fitted them to the wall...
7 [VERB] V n, V in/into n, V
If something fits something else or fits into it, it goes together well with that thing or is able to be part of it.
Her daughter doesn't fit the current feminine ideal...
Fostering is a full-time job and you should carefully consider how it will fit into your career...
There's something about the way he talks of her that doesn't fit.
8 [VERB] V n
You can say that something fits a particular person or thing when it is appropriate or suitable for them or it.
The punishment must always fit the crime.
= match
9 [ADJ] oft ADJ for n, ADJ to-inf, ADJ n to-inf, ADJ n for n
If something is fit for a particular purpose, it is suitable for that purpose.
Of the seven bicycles we had, only two were fit for the road.
...safety measures intended to reassure consumers that the meat is fit to eat...
10 [ADJ] oft ADJ to-inf, ADJ for n, ADJ n for n, ADJ n to-inf
If someone is fit to do something, they have the appropriate qualities or skills that will allow them to do it.
You're not fit to be a mother!...
He was not a fit companion for their skipper that particular morning.
● fitness [N-UNCOUNT] N for n, N to-inf
There is a debate about his fitness for the highest office...
11 [VERB] V n for n, V n to-inf
If something fits someone for a particular task or role, it makes them good enough or suitable for it. (FORMAL)
...a man whose past experience fits him for the top job in education...
It is not a person's gender that fits them to be a vicar but what is in their hearts.
12 [ADJ]
If you describe someone as fit, you mean that they are good-looking. (BRIT INFORMAL)
About an hour later a really fit guy came up to me on the dance floor.
13 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that someone sees fit to do something, you mean that they are entitled to do it, but that you disapprove of their decision to do it. (FORMAL)
He's not a friend, you say, yet you saw fit to lend him money.
14
fit the bill: see bill
to fit like a glove: see glove
not in a fit state: see state
see also fitted, fitting♦ fit2 /f'ɪt/ (fit fitter fittest) HEALTHY
Please look at category 2 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 [ADJ]
Someone who is fit is healthy and physically strong.
An averagely fit person can master easy ski runs within a few days.
≠ unfit
● fitness [N-UNCOUNT] oft N n
Squash was once thought to offer all-round fitness.
2
fit as a fiddle: see fiddle
fighting fit: see fightfit3 /f'ɪt/ (fit fits) UNCONTROLLABLE MOVEMENTS OR EMOTIONS
1 [N-COUNT]
If someone has a fit they suddenly lose consciousness and their body makes uncontrollable movements.
About two in every five epileptic fits occur during sleep...
= seizure
2 [N-COUNT] with supp, N of n
If you have a fit of coughing or laughter, you suddenly start coughing or laughing in an uncontrollable way.
Halfway down the cigarette she had a fit of coughing...
3 [N-COUNT] N of n
If you do something in a fit of anger or panic, you are very angry or afraid when you do it.
Pattie shot Tom in a fit of jealous rage.
4 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that someone will have a fit when they hear about something, you mean that they will be very angry or shocked. (INFORMAL)
He'd have a fit if he knew what we were up to!
= go mad
5 [PHRASE] PHR after v
Something that happens in fits and starts or by fits and starts keeps happening and then stopping again.
My slimming attempts tend to go in fits and starts...
Military technology advances by fits and starts.
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron)
If you manage to fit a person or task in, you manage to find time to deal with them.
We work long hours both outside and inside the home and we rush around trying to fit everything in...
I find that I just can't fit in regular domestic work.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you fit in as part of a group, you seem to belong there because you are similar to the other people in it.
She was great with the children and fitted in beautifully.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P with n
If you say that someone or something fits in, you understand how they form part of a particular situation or system.
He knew where I fitted in and what he had to do to get the best out of me...
This fits in with what you've told me.fit into
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If you fit into a particular group, you seem to belong there because you are similar to the other people in it.
It's hard to see how he would fit into the team.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If something fits into a particular situation or system, that seems to be the right place for it.
Most film locations broadly fit into two categories; those on private property and those in a public place.fit out
[PHRASAL VERB] V n P for n, V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you fit someone or something out, or you fit them up, you provide them with equipment and other things that they need. (in BRIT, also use fit up)
We helped to fit him out for a trip to the Baltic...
They spent 18 million pounds of Government funds fitting out the London headquarters.
= kit outfit up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron)
If someone fits another person up, they try to make it seem that that person is responsible for a crime. (BRIT INFORMAL)
Mr Stone said inmates who had given evidence were trying to `fit him up'...
There can never be any legitimate basis for police officers to fit up suspects they `know' to be guilty.
= frame
2
see also fit out♦♦ fit1 /f'ɪt/ (fit fits fitting fitted) BEING RIGHT OR GOING IN THE RIGHT PLACE
In American English the form fit is used in the present tense and sometimes also as the past tense and past participle of the verb.
Please look at category 13 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 [VERB] V n, V prep/adv, V prep/adv
If something fits, it is the right size and shape to go onto a person's body or onto a particular object.
The sash, kimono, and other garments were made to fit a child...
She has to go to the men's department to find trousers that fit at the waist...
Line a tin with lightly-greased greaseproof paper, making sure the corners fit well.
2 [N-SING] adj N
If something is a good fit, it fits well.
Eventually he was happy that the sills and doors were a reasonably good fit.
3 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed for n
If you are fitted for a particular piece of clothing, you try it on so that the person who is making it can see where it needs to be altered.
She was being fitted for her wedding dress.
4 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv
If something fits somewhere, it can be put there or is designed to be put there.
...a pocket computer which is small enough to fit into your pocket...
He folded his long legs to fit under the table...
5 [VERB] V n prep/adv, V n prep/adv
If you fit something into a particular space or place, you put it there.
She fitted her key in the lock...
When the crown has been made you go back and the dentist will fit it into place.
6 [VERB] V n, V n prep
If you fit something somewhere, you attach it there, or put it there carefully and securely.
Fit hinge bolts to give extra support to the door lock...
Peter had built the overhead ladders, and the next day he fitted them to the wall...
7 [VERB] V n, V in/into n, V
If something fits something else or fits into it, it goes together well with that thing or is able to be part of it.
Her daughter doesn't fit the current feminine ideal...
Fostering is a full-time job and you should carefully consider how it will fit into your career...
There's something about the way he talks of her that doesn't fit.
8 [VERB] V n
You can say that something fits a particular person or thing when it is appropriate or suitable for them or it.
The punishment must always fit the crime.
= match
9 [ADJ] oft ADJ for n, ADJ to-inf, ADJ n to-inf, ADJ n for n
If something is fit for a particular purpose, it is suitable for that purpose.
Of the seven bicycles we had, only two were fit for the road.
...safety measures intended to reassure consumers that the meat is fit to eat...
10 [ADJ] oft ADJ to-inf, ADJ for n, ADJ n for n, ADJ n to-inf
If someone is fit to do something, they have the appropriate qualities or skills that will allow them to do it.
You're not fit to be a mother!...
He was not a fit companion for their skipper that particular morning.
● fitness [N-UNCOUNT] N for n, N to-inf
There is a debate about his fitness for the highest office...
11 [VERB] V n for n, V n to-inf
If something fits someone for a particular task or role, it makes them good enough or suitable for it. (FORMAL)
...a man whose past experience fits him for the top job in education...
It is not a person's gender that fits them to be a vicar but what is in their hearts.
12 [ADJ]
If you describe someone as fit, you mean that they are good-looking. (BRIT INFORMAL)
About an hour later a really fit guy came up to me on the dance floor.
13 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that someone sees fit to do something, you mean that they are entitled to do it, but that you disapprove of their decision to do it. (FORMAL)
He's not a friend, you say, yet you saw fit to lend him money.
14
fit the bill: see bill
to fit like a glove: see glove
not in a fit state: see state
see also fitted, fitting♦ fit2 /f'ɪt/ (fit fitter fittest) HEALTHY
Please look at category 2 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 [ADJ]
Someone who is fit is healthy and physically strong.
An averagely fit person can master easy ski runs within a few days.
≠ unfit
● fitness [N-UNCOUNT] oft N n
Squash was once thought to offer all-round fitness.
2
fit as a fiddle: see fiddle
fighting fit: see fightfit3 /f'ɪt/ (fit fits) UNCONTROLLABLE MOVEMENTS OR EMOTIONS
1 [N-COUNT]
If someone has a fit they suddenly lose consciousness and their body makes uncontrollable movements.
About two in every five epileptic fits occur during sleep...
= seizure
2 [N-COUNT] with supp, N of n
If you have a fit of coughing or laughter, you suddenly start coughing or laughing in an uncontrollable way.
Halfway down the cigarette she had a fit of coughing...
3 [N-COUNT] N of n
If you do something in a fit of anger or panic, you are very angry or afraid when you do it.
Pattie shot Tom in a fit of jealous rage.
4 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you say that someone will have a fit when they hear about something, you mean that they will be very angry or shocked. (INFORMAL)
He'd have a fit if he knew what we were up to!
= go mad
5 [PHRASE] PHR after v
Something that happens in fits and starts or by fits and starts keeps happening and then stopping again.
My slimming attempts tend to go in fits and starts...
Military technology advances by fits and starts.