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off the peg
01
(of clothes) made to fit a standard size, rather than being specially made
Dialect
British
British
What is the origin of the idiom "off the peg" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "off the peg" is from the world of fashion, where it refers to ready-made clothing that is mass-produced and not custom-made. The term likely comes from the practice of hanging clothes on pegs for display and sale and it is commonly used to refer to clothing.
Examples
He can't afford to have his suits made to measure, so he buys them off the peg.
