Dressing up can be fun, and so is learning about different ways we talk about it! Today, we’re exploring some popular English sayings that involve the word “dress.” These expressions are used in everyday conversation and add a colorful twist to our language. Let’s dive into the world of “dress” idioms!
Dress Idioms
Here are 20 dress idioms in English.
1. Dress to kill
Meaning: Dress in a very fashionable or impressive way.
Example: She dressed to kill for the interview.
2. Dress down
Meaning: Wear casual clothes.
Example: We can dress down on Fridays.
3. Sunday best
Meaning: Wear your finest clothes.
Example: They wore their Sunday best to church.
4. All dressed up and nowhere to go
Meaning: Dressed formally with no event to attend.
Example: Finished early, all dressed up and nowhere to go.
5. Dressed to the nines
Meaning: Dressed very elegantly.
Example: He was dressed to the nines at the gala.
6. Dress for success
Meaning: Wear clothes that will make a good impression.
Example: Always dress for success in job interviews.
7. Dress up
Meaning: Wear fancy or formal clothes.
Example: We dress up for Halloween.
8. Dressed to the teeth
Meaning: Dressed very smartly or elegantly.
Example: She was dressed to the teeth for the wedding.
9. Wolf in sheep’s clothing
Meaning: Someone who pretends to be harmless.
Example: He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
10. Mutton dressed as lamb
Meaning: Dressing younger than one’s age.
Example: She’s mutton dressed as lamb.
11. Tailor-made
Meaning: Perfectly suited for someone.
Example: This job is tailor-made for him.
12. Dress the part
Meaning: Wear clothes suitable for a role.
Example: You must dress the part for auditions.
13. Sharp dressed
Meaning: Wearing stylish and smart clothes.
Example: He’s always sharp dressed.
14. Dress circle
Meaning: A seating area in a theater.
Example: They sat in the dress circle.
15. Dress rehearsal
Meaning: Final practice before the real event.
Example: Tonight is the dress rehearsal.
16. Fit to be tied
Meaning: Extremely angry or upset.
Example: She was fit to be tied after the meeting.
17. Off the rack
Meaning: Clothing not tailored, ready-made.
Example: I bought it off the rack.
18. Put on your thinking cap
Meaning: Start thinking seriously.
Example: Let’s put on our thinking caps.
19. Wear many hats
Meaning: Have many roles or duties.
Example: She wears many hats in her job.
20. Buttoned up
Meaning: Reserved or conservative in manner.
Example: He is very buttoned up at work.