deck out
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive, often used in the passive voice or as a phrasal verb): - To decorate or adorn someone or something, especially with elaborate or fancy clothing and accessories, in order to make them look more attractive, impressive, or suitable for a special occasion.
Usage
The phrasal verb "deck out" is used to describe the action of putting on special, often showy, attire or of decorating something elaborately. It implies a transformation for a specific purpose, such as a party, celebration, or event. It can be used in both active and passive constructions. - Active voice: to deck [someone/something] out - Passive voice: to be decked out
Examples
- Active Voice:
- She decided to deck out her children in matching costumes for the parade.
- They decked out the hall with balloons and streamers for the wedding.
- Passive Voice:
- The guests were all decked out in their finest evening wear.
- The car was decked out with ribbons for the graduation ceremony.
Advanced Usage
- "decked out to the nines": An idiomatic expression meaning dressed in an extremely fashionable or elaborate manner.
- For the premiere, the actors were decked out to the nines in designer gowns and tuxedos.
- "decked out in full regalia": Dressed in all the official or ceremonial clothes and decorations.
- The guards were decked out in full regalia for the state visit.
Variants and Related Words
- Deck (verb): As a simpler verb, it can mean to decorate or adorn (e.g., ).
- Decked (adjective): Often used in the past participle form as an adjective (e.g., ).
- Outfit (verb): To provide with a set of clothes or equipment. While similar, "outfit" is more general and less focused on elaborate adornment than "deck out."
Synonyms
- Dress up: To wear formal or special clothes.
- Adorn: To make more beautiful or attractive.
- Attire: To dress, especially in fine or formal clothes.
- Fancy up (informal): To make something look more fancy or decorated.
- Trick out (informal): To decorate or equip in a showy manner.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Deck in: A less common variant with the same meaning, often followed by the material or items used for decoration.
- The statue was decked in flowers.
- Doll up (informal): To make oneself or someone else look more attractive, especially by putting on nice clothes and makeup.
- She dolled herself up for the date.
Related Idioms
- In full fig: Dressed in smart or formal clothes. (British English)
- He arrived at the ceremony in full fig.
- Gussied up (informal): Dressed in a fancy or showy way.
- They got all gussied up for the family photo.
Verb
- put on special clothes to appear particularly appealing and attractive
- She never dresses up, even when she goes to the opera
- The young girls were all fancied up for the party