in fine fettle

== English == === Etymology === From in + fine (“of superior quality”) + fettle (“state of physical condition”). Fettle is derived from Late Middle English fetlen (“(verb) to bestow; to fix, prepare, put in place; to prepare (oneself) for battle, gird up; to shape; to be about to, or to ready (oneself), to stay; (adjective) shaped (well or poorly)”) [and other forms], possibly from Old English fetel (“belt, girdle, fettle”), from Proto-Germanic *fatilaz; further etymology unknown. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ɪn ˌfaɪn ˈfɛtl̩/ (General American) IPA(key): /ɪn ˌfaɪn ˈfɛt(ə)l/, [-ɾ(ə)l] Rhymes: -ɛtəl Hyphenation: in fine fet‧tle === Prepositional phrase === in fine fettle In good condition; energetic, fit. Synonym: fit as a fiddle ==== Usage notes ==== Also used with other words in place of fine, such as in good fettle and in high fettle. ==== Translations ==== === References === === Further reading === Michael Quinion (March 4, 2000), “Fine fettle”, in World Wide Words.