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Meaning of shipshape and Bristol fashion | Babel Free

Adjective CEFR C2
/ˈʃɪpˌʃeɪp ən ˈbɹɪstəl ˈfæʃən/

Definitions

  1. Tidily tied down and secure.
  2. Properly and neatly organized or arranged.
    figuratively

Examples

“When we set out on the jolly voyage of life, what a brave fleet there is around us, as stretching our fresh canvas to the breeze, all "shipshape and Bristol fashion," pennons flying, music playing, cheering each other as we pass, we are rather amused than alarmed when some awkward comrade goes right ashore for want of pilotage!”
“[Segovia] looks like a fine old clipper ship, there in the morning sun, full-rigged, full-blown, ship-shape and Bristol-fashion.”

CEFR level

C2
Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.

See also

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