dressed to the nines
Definition
- Adjective phrase:
- Dressed in an extremely stylish, elegant, or formal manner: This idiom describes someone wearing their best, most fashionable, or most elaborate clothing, typically for a special occasion. It implies a very high standard of dress, attention to detail, and a polished appearance.
Usage
- This phrase is used to describe a person's exceptionally smart or formal appearance. It is always used after a linking verb like "be," "look," or "feel."
- It is an informal, idiomatic expression often used for emphasis and praise.
Examples
- Adjective phrase:
- For the gala, everyone was dressed to the nines in tuxedos and evening gowns.
- You look dressed to the nines! Where are you going tonight?
- They arrived at the wedding dressed to the nines, turning heads as they entered.
Advanced Usage
- "To get dressed to the nines": This variant emphasizes the action of putting on such elegant attire.
- She spent two hours getting dressed to the nines for her anniversary dinner.
Variants and Related Words
- Dolled up (adj., informal): Dressed in fancy clothes, often with a focus on glamorous or showy style.
- She was all dolled up for the party.
- Dressed to kill (adj. phrase, informal): Dressed in a very stylish or alluring way to impress or attract attention.
- He walked in dressed to kill, confident and sharp.
Synonyms
- Decked out: Wearing fancy or decorative clothes.
- Gussied up (informal): Dressed in a showy or smart way.
- In full fig (British, informal): Dressed in formal or ceremonial clothes.
- Spruced up: Made neat, smart, and tidy in appearance.
Related Idioms
- Put on one's Sunday best: To wear one's finest clothes, traditionally for church.
- They put on their Sunday best for the family portrait.
- Dressed fit to kill: A less common variant similar to "dressed to kill."
Adjective
-
dressed in fancy or formal clothing
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