What does “Dressed Up to the Nines” mean?
"Dressed Up to the Nines" means that someone is wearing very fancy or stylish clothes.
What context can I use the in?
Example
She always gets dressed up to the nines for special occasions.
Example
He arrived at the gala dressed up to the nines in a tailored suit.
Example
The bride looked stunning, dressed up to the nines in her wedding gown
Is “Dressed Up to the Nines” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Dressed Up 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 Up to the Nines” effectively in context?
You can use "Dressed Up to the Nines" to describe someone who is wearing very fancy or stylish clothes. It emphasizes the level of effort and attention to detail put into their appearance. For example, if a friend always dresses impeccably for parties, you might say, 'She always gets dressed up to the nines for special occasions.'
- 1Special Events
He arrived at the gala dressed up to the nines in a tailored suit.
- 2Weddings
The bride looked stunning, dressed up to the nines in her wedding gown.
- 3Formal Parties
She always gets dressed up to the nines for special occasions.
Similar phrases to “Dressed Up to the Nines”:
Dolled up
To be dressed in an attractive or glamorous way
Example
She dolled up for the evening with a fancy dress and elegant jewelry.
Suited and booted
To be dressed smartly or formally, typically in a suit
Example
He arrived at the meeting suited and booted, ready to impress.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Dressed Up to the Nines” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Dressed Up to the Nines" is unknown.
Is “Dressed Up to the Nines” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Dressed Up to the Nines" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who is impeccably dressed for a special event or occasion.
What tone does “Dressed Up to the Nines” have?
"Dressed Up to the Nines" conveys a tone of admiration and appreciation for someone's stylish appearance. It's often used to compliment someone's fashion sense and attention to detail.
Can “Dressed Up to the Nines” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Dressed Up to the Nines" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes someone who is dressed in a very fancy or stylish manner. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as parties, weddings, or professional events.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She always gets dressed up to the nines for special occasions.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Looking sharp! "Dressed up to the nines"!' to compliment someone's outfit.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- dressed to kill
- looking sharp
- well-dressed
- stylishly attired
- fashionably dressed
Antonyms
- underdressed
- unkempt
- casually dressed
- sloppily dressed
- in shabby attire
