in fine feather
idiom

- well dressed; of an excellent appearance

- in good form; in good spirits

(McGraw-Hill Dictionary)

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Feathers have long been associated with an attractive appearance. Just think about the numerous species of birds that have spectacular colours. So it should come as no surprise that English has several phrases with the word feather that are related to the idea of looking good.

In the expression "in fine feather" the more literal meaning relates to someone who is well dressed and attractive. In a figurative sense, it can mean that a person is in good or high spirits (He's certainly in fine feather tonight!).

An old proverb also says "fine feathers make fine birds," which basically means that anyone can look good if they wear nice clothes on. In other words, "clothes make the man" which is the modern equivalent of this phrase.

And what happens if you have "a feather in your cap?" That means you have done something good (The sales award will be another feather in his cap).

But always be sure not to "ruffle feathers," which is what birds do when they are annoyed and what humans do when they annoy someone else.

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SYNONYMS

chipper, hale and hearty, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, full of life, in fine fettle, in the pink

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Practice OWAD in a conversation

"I'm feeling IN FINE FEATHER today."