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UKdressed to kill
/dɹˈɛst tə kˈɪl/
/dɹˈɛst tə kˈɪl/dressed to kill
[PHRASE]1
used to describe someone who is dressed up in a very fashionable way to draw attention
What is the origin of the idiom "dressed to kill" and when to use it?
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 19th century and likely originates from the world of fashion. It was originally used to describe someone who is dressed in a manner that is attention-grabbing, stylish, and striking. The term "to kill" in this context is associated with the idea of being so well-dressed that it can figuratively "kill" or captivate others with one's appearance. Today, it is commonly used to describe someone who is impeccably dressed or wearing attire that is particularly fashionable, sophisticated, or eye-catching, often in formal or special occasions.
Examples
1. Sarah had dressed to kill for her anniversary dinner, captivating her partner with her alluring attire.
2. In fact, my husband says I look dressed to kill.
3. As we can see, the red team is dressed to kill.
4. The idea that underwire bras cause cancer seems to stem from a 1995 book called Dressed to Kill.
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