# dressed to the nines

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dressed-to-the-nines
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Very fancily or formally dressed; wearing very showy or splendid clothing.

## Examples

- Everyone at the party was dressed to the nines.
- Since it was a formal wedding, she made sure to be dressed to the nines in her best silk gown.
- The guests arrived at the gala dressed to the nines, their expensive jewelry sparkling under the bright lights of the grand ballroom.

## Origin

From *dressed* + *to the nines*. The construction was first recorded in the 1800s.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.