Meaning of shipshape

[Kay]

Test No. express/inter-13 "On the Water", question 6

Although they were a couple well into their 80's everything in their house was always shipshape.

(a) very old
(b) very neat
(c) very fresh
(d) very clean

Test No. express/inter-13 "On the Water", answer 6

Although they were a couple well into their 80's everything in their house was always very neat.

Correct answer: (b) very neat

Your answer was: incorrect
Although they were a couple well into their 80's everything in their house was always very clean.
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Hello, I thought that 'shipshape' means more clean than neat, because on the ship there must be always clean, there is even a word in german - klar - which means clear and it express the cleanliness on the boat. Near means more tasteful. Could you explain that to me?

Thank you in advance

[Torsten]

Hi Kay,

If something is shipshape, it is very tidy which means, everything is in its correct place. So, shipshape describes a state that involves more than just cleanliness.

TOEIC listening, photographs: A boat on the water