To wear stylish clothing; wearing clothes to draw attention

Etymology:

  • The word ‘nines’ in this expression holds several theories about it that are originated back in the 18th century. One theory is associated with the mysterious and sacred nature of the number nine as it represents excellence (3x3). Another theory is associated with an old English expression, ‘dressed to then eyne’ that means dressed stylishly from toes to your eyes (to then eyne). With the passage of time, ‘n’ added to word ‘eyen’ and it became ‘neyen’ that later changed into ‘nines’.
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Emilia was dressed to the nines on last night’s dance party.

Submitted on February 25, 2019

Additional definitions for 'Dressed to the Nines':

dressed to the ninesVery fancily or formally dressed; wearing very showy or splendid clothing.
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Translation

Find a translation for the Dressed to the Nines phrase in other languages:

bis in die Neunen gekleidet

habillé à neuf

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    "Dressed to the Nines." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 22 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/dressed-to-the-nines_44621>.

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