| English Dictionary |
SPICK-AND-SPAN
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
Dictionary entry overview: What does spick-and-span mean?
• SPICK-AND-SPAN (adjective)
The adjective SPICK-AND-SPAN has 2 senses:
1. conspicuously new
2. completely neat and clean
Familiarity information: SPICK-AND-SPAN used as an adjective is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Conspicuously new
Synonyms:
bran-new; brand-new; spic-and-span; spick-and-span
Context example:
a spick-and-span novelty
Similar:
new (not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Completely neat and clean
Synonyms:
immaculate; speckless; spic; spic-and-span; spick; spick-and-span; spotless
Context example:
their spic red-visored caps
Similar:
clean (free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits)
Context examples
"I suppose it would be profanation to eat anything in this spick-and-span bower, so as I'm tremendously hungry, I propose an adjournment," he added presently.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
| Learn English with... Proverbs |
"A good man does not take what belongs to someone else." (Native American proverb, Pueblo)
"Maybe he wanted to throw himself in the well, would you follow?" (Armenian proverb)
"He who takes no chances wins nothing." (Danish proverb)