dressed to the nines

English

Etymology

Unknown, many unproven theories exist; first recorded in the late 1700s.

Adjective

dressed to the nines (not comparable)

1. (idiomatic) Very fancily or formally dressed; wearing very showy or splendid clothing.
   • He arrived at the gala, dressed to the nines in his top hat and tails.
   • 1976, Tim Rice, "Don't Cry For Me Argentina"

     All you will see is a girl you once knew, although she's dressed up to the nines, at sixes and sevens with you.

References

• "Dressed to the nines" in Michael Quinion, Ballyhoo, Buckaroo, and Spuds, 2004.

Translations

very fancily or formally dressed

• Catalan: anar vestit de vint-i-un botons (to be dressed in 21 buttons)
• Chinese:

  Mandarin: please add this translation if you can

• Finnish: viimeisen päälle (fi), pukeutuneena (fi)
• French: sur son trente et un (fr)

• Hungarian: kicsípi magát (hu)
• Russian: разодетый в пух и прах,расфуфыренный
• Scottish Gaelic: air èideadh gu spaideil
• Spanish: vestida de punta en blanco (es)
• Walloon: riletchî come on vea k' a deus meres (wa)