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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.
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".
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 ...
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 ...
Dressed to the nines. The phrase "dressed to the nines," meaning "dressed in a highly elaborate or showy manner," is a specific application of the Scottish phrase " to the nine (s)." Early written evidence of that phrase appeared in the 18th century, and it wasn't originally associated with one's dress. The bonny Lines therein thou sent me ...
Jan 4, 2016 · The Nines dressed well, but also dressed their lines well – that is, the ranks remained neat when drilling. It’s unlikely that the phrase originated with the 99th, but that connection might have increased its popularity. Alternatively, ‘nines’ might just be a corruption of ‘eyne’, an archaic word for eyes.
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Exercise 1: Using “dressed to the nines” in a sentence. Your task is simple – try using “dressed to the nines” in a sentence. For example: “My sister was dressed to the nines at her wedding.” “I always feel confident when I’m dressed to the nines.” “He looked like he was dressed to the nines for his job interview.”
