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A more likely explanation is that the phrase is simply an extension of the earlier phrase “to the nines,” which meant “perfectly” or “the highest standard”. This shorter phrase was in use in the 18th century, before “dressed to the nines” was first used. The number nine has long been used as a superlative in English.
Mar 5, 2017 · The phrase dressed to the nines means dressed very elaborately or smartly. It is first recorded in The Penny Wedding, published in The Herald (New York) of 11th March 1837: A circumstance of a very engaging nature occurred last week at a house in the Broadway, not a hundred miles from the Bowling Green, which almost realized the Arabian tale of ...
To the nines" is an idiom meaning "to perfection" or "to the highest degree". In modern English usage, the phrase most commonly appears as "dressed to the nines" or "dressed up to the nines". In modern English usage, the phrase most commonly appears as "dressed to the nines" or "dressed up to the nines".
Jan 4, 2016 · A search through old newspapers reveals that ‘dressed (up) to the nines’ was not in common usage until the 1850s, and was at first mainly used in Scotland and the north of England. Eric Partridge’s Dictionary of Historical Slang suggests that the number nine has connotations of perfection, perhaps from the nine ancient muses or the ...
Mar 12, 2024 · March 12, 2024. "Dressed to the nines" means to be dressed very elegantly or flamboyantly, often for a special occasion. This phrase implies that a person wears the most fashionable or formal attire possible. For example, if someone is attending a gala event, they might be "dressed to the nines" in a tuxedo or a lavish gown.
Apr 18, 2014 · According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first recorded instance of dressing to the nines was in the 1859 Dictionary of Slang, by John Camden Hotten where it states: “‘dressed up to the nines’, in a showy or recherché manner.”. However, there is at least one earlier documented instance, which seems to imply the expression was ...
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Apr 8, 2013 · One says that the phrase comes from the nine yards of material a tailor needed to make a really nice suit. A few tailors I talked to, though, say four to five yards of fabric should be sufficient ...
