dressed to kill
dressed to kill
Meaning
- elaborately attired, dressed to draw attraction
- dressed very nicely, extravagantly
- intentionally wearing clothes that attract attention and admiration
Example Sentences
- She arrived at the reception dressed to kill.
- The man was dressed to kill in a tuxedo, hat, gold watch, and expensive shoes because he was going to accept an award.
- I want to marry that beautiful girl who is always dressed to kill.
- Ferrari Portofino was just dressed to kill in the car exhibition.
- The actress is dressed to kill in the black gown.
Origin
It’s believed to be a newer version of the ancient phrase “dressed to the nines.” Most likely, the first uses of the exaggerated expression begin in the 1800s. And “kill” uses in the sense of “extremely impressive and attractive.”
About the Author
Elena Jones holds a PhD in Education from Harvard University. She has extensive experience teaching at both the K–12 and university levels, with a particular focus on English as a Second Language. Elena has dedicated her career to advancing educational practices, and she has contributed to numerous educational journals.
Share your opinions4 Opinions
It seems it could have originated in ancient times. In Proverbs 7:6-23 King Solomon tells a tale of a young man swept into sin by a promiscuous woman and this encounter would “cost him his life”. She was “seductively dressed and sly of heart”, literally dressed to kill (spiritually speaking) as she was seeking someone to seduce into her bed while her husband was away.
‒ Windy Houser February 5, 2025
Wonder if dressed to kill may come from the Mafia when they usually wear a shirt and tie to snub someone out in a fancy restaurant? Probably not but possible I suppose !
‒ Philip Mc Lean May 15, 2024
This is now a term exclusively applied to females exposing either a large amount of un-covered skin or wearing tight fitting clothes with similar intention as previously described ‘literally dressed to kill’
‒ Felix February 23, 2020
It is my understanding it originated with Napoleons Imperial Guard, 1799-1815 they were an elite group and were treated as such, including uniforms that were basically tuxedos with tails, the finest pants and boots. And literally dressed to kill.
‒ Napoleon June 20, 2019