Dress Idioms (With Meaning and Examples)

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.

Dress Idioms