I was wondering if there exists a British expression to denote a flawless/good/spotless person. I'm thinking of using it in a context similar to 'he's no saint', which if I'm not wrong, is American. I would like to be able to use it with the following sentence construction: "He's a far cry from __ himself." Would it be correct to use 'spick and span' in this instance? Are there any other (more appropriate) alternatives?
Thanks very much.
Spick and span would be inappropriate to use in this instance as it usually refers to something being spotless; without a fleck of dust; usually a room or a home where everything is very clean, and almost shiny in appearance. I doubt many would use this expression to describe a person's character.
If you're looking for a British type of expression (but Americans will be familiar with these terms too) you could try these:
He's a far cry from being a good sport himself.
... a good egg himself.
(dated but understood)... being a decent sort of chap.
Longman's definition of chapHe's a far cry from being perfect himself.
One of the alleged origins of "spick and span" is that "spick" is a spike, or nail, which is shiny and clean when new; figuratively like as bright as a new pin. A "span" can be newly cut wood, so the general meaning of "spick and span" is "like new", and not really appropriate to apply to a person.
For a person, I would use "no angel" - "he is no angel" - or maybe "squeaky clean" - "he is not squeaky clean himself".
He's a far cry from an angel is common usage in the UK, but so is saint. Mother Theresa is often used as well, as in "not exactly Mother Theresa". With a different phrasing of the sentence, impeccable (without stain) would suit.
My premise is their is no spotless/flawless person. yet it is possible for everyone to tend towards being a saint (or have some iota of it). hence to say "he is a far cry from his sainthood", would mean, "while he could have shown some gesture of being a truthful man, he is turning out to be a far cry from his sainthood".
