A Model of Well-Being 🌟
Definition: Often phrased as “the picture of health” or “the epitome of well-being,” this term represents someone or something that appears to be in perfect health and excellent condition.
Synonyms: picture of health, paragon of health, epitome of wellness, beacon of vitality
Antonyms: sick as a dog, under the weather, ailing
Origins: This complimentary description has been around since the late 18th century. Jane Austen used it in Emma (1815): “One hears sometimes of a child being ‘the picture of health.’”
Related Terms:
- Feeling fit as a fiddle: Being in extremely good health and high spirits.
- Healthy as a horse: Extremely healthy or robust.
- Right as rain: In perfect health or condition.
- Fit as a butcher’s dog: In peak condition, originally referring to a well-fed dog living with a butcher.
- Clean bill of health: Assurance that someone is healthy, often after a medical examination.
Humorous Quotes:
- “He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.” – Arabian Proverb
- “Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.” – Mark Twain
Inspirational Notes:
- Proverb: “Health is wealth.” — A reminder that no amount of material wealth can substitute for one’s physical and mental well-being.
Literature Recommendations:
- Emma by Jane Austen: Explore the world of Regency-era matchmaking and societal judgments with this classic novel.
- How to Be Sick by Toni Bernhard: A thought-provoking guide on transforming life experiences when health is fading.
Songs:
- “Perfect Day” by Lou Reed: Reflecting on the simple joys of a good day.
- “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone: Perfect for lifting any mood.
Movies:
- Patch Adams (1998): An inspiring story that combines humor and health.
- Eat Pray Love (2010): A journey through self-discovery and wellness.
### Which term means "in perfect health"?
- [x] Fit as a fiddle
- [ ] Sick as a sergeant
- [ ] Laughing like a dragon
- [ ] Running like a carrot
> **Explanation:** "Fit as a fiddle" is an idiom meaning someone is in excellent physical condition. The rest are, amusingly enough, nonsense!
### True or False: 'Clean bill of health' means health concerns are discovered
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** A "clean bill of health" means that no health issues have been identified after an examination.
### Which phrase is a genuine health-related idiom?
- [ ] Sleeping with the tomatoes
- [ ] Waddling with glee
- [x] Healthy as a horse
- [ ] Swirling like a breeze
> **Explanation:** "Healthy as a horse" is a recognized idiom implying robustness and good health.
### Common way to say 'in perfect condition':
- [x] Right as rain
- [ ] Twisty as a pretzel
- [ ] Buzzing like a bee
- [ ] Tall as a tree
> **Explanation:** "Right as rain" indicates everything is in perfect order or health. The others are just whimsical language.
### Fill in the blank: "An apple a day keeps the ______ away."
- [x] doctor
- [ ] baker
- [ ] gardener
- [ ] teacher
> **Explanation:** The phrase "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is an old proverb advocating healthy eating to maintain good health.
Here’s to picturing your finest health and living vibrantly until the last page of this splendid book of clichés. Cheerio and stay healthy!
