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Dressed to the Nines

Dressed to the Nines

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Dressed to the Nines-an old photo of couple with four children in dress clothesYears ago, on Easter and other special occasions, people dressed to the nines. They wore new or favorite old dress clothes. Women often wore hats and men wore ties. Children squirmed in their stiff fancy attire.

Many people still dress up for special days. Others skip new clothes and donate the money they save.

Dressed to the nines means to wear formal or stylish clothes.

The clothing usually:

  • Draws attention
  • Meets the latest fashions
  • Looks elegant and glamorous

The origin of this expression remains uncertain. The Free Dictionary and The Phrase Finder offer possible explanations.

Dressing up occasionally feels good.

When life overwhelms, and people need relief, an improved appearance often leads to an improved mood. Grubby clothes feel good physically, but dress clothes often feel good emotionally. Dressing to the nines helps people feel like they are on cloud nine.

Regardless of outer appearance, always dress to the nines inwardly.

The description “beautiful inside and out” directs attention to people’s inward beauty. As another expression explains, pretty is as pretty does,

“As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12 NIV).

 Thanks to Becky Nash Rowe for the suggestion.

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Putting on the Ritz

Putting on the Ritz

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Putting on the Ritz-gold stars on a fine gold wire backgroundDuring Christmas, we see examples of putting on the Ritz all around us.

  • Elaborate decorations
  • Rich food
  • Lavish gifts (and lots of them)
  • Lovely lights

Those of us who usually live simple lives go overboard in December.

Putting on the Ritz refers to the Ritz Hotels.

Those hotels offer a life of luxury. Only the wealthy can afford them. Occasionally, we may save enough money to enjoy that lifestyle for a few days. Sadly, some of us charge now and pay much more than the original cost later.

Fred Astaire made the Irving Berlin song, “Putting on the Ritz” popular.

When we put on the Ritz, we act rich and stylish.

We may not be able to afford to live high on the hog. Yet, we pretend we can. We like special treatment. An occasional splurge may lift our spirits.

However, let’s never forget those who need the basics.

Many in our world don’t have enough food, heat, shelter, or clothing. This Christmas and throughout the year, let’s brighten their lives by sharing with them.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20 NIV).

Thanks to Lindy Pierce for the suggestion. Image by Annette Meyer from Pixabay

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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