What does “Dressed to the nines” mean?
"Dressed to the nines" means being dressed very elegantly or stylishly.
What context can I use the in?
Example
She arrived at the gala dressed to the nines in a stunning gown.
Example
He always makes sure to be dressed to the nines for important meetings.
Example
The bride and groom were both dressed to the nines on their wedding day
Is “Dressed to the nines” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Dressed to the nines” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Dressed to the nines” effectively in context?
You can use "Dressed to the Nines" to describe someone who is dressed very elegantly or stylishly. It emphasizes the person's impeccable fashion sense and attention to detail. For example, if you see a friend wearing a stunning outfit, you can say, 'Wow, you're dressed to the nines tonight!'
- 1Special Occasions
She arrived at the gala dressed to the nines in a stunning gown.
- 2Professional Settings
He always makes sure to be dressed to the nines for important meetings.
- 3Weddings
The bride and groom were both dressed to the nines on their wedding day.
Similar phrases to “Dressed to the nines”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Dressed to the nines” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Dressed to the Nines" is unknown. There are several theories about its origin, but none have been proven. One theory suggests that the phrase comes from the 18th-century British tailoring industry, where the highest quality suits were made with nine yards of fabric. Another theory suggests that it may have originated from the Scottish phrase 'dressed to the eyes,' which means dressed very well. However, these are just speculations, and the true origin remains a mystery.
Is “Dressed to the nines” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Dressed to the Nines" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to compliment someone's stylish appearance or to describe themselves when they are dressed up for a special occasion.
What tone does “Dressed to the nines” have?
"Dressed to the Nines" conveys a tone of admiration and praise. It is used to express appreciation for someone's fashion sense and the effort they put into their appearance.
Can “Dressed to the nines” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Dressed to the Nines" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes someone's elegant or stylish attire. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as weddings, parties, or professional events.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She arrived at the party dressed to the nines.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Looking sharp! Dressed to the nines!' to compliment someone's appearance.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- dressed to perfection
- dressed to impress
- dressed to the tee
- dressed to the hilt
- dressed to the max
Antonyms
- dressed casually
- dressed down
- dressed informally
- dressed shabbily
- dressed sloppily
