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All dolled up
All dolled up means to make yourself look pretty using makeup and fancy clothes. It is commonly used to describe getting ready for a party or event.She got all dolled up for the end of year function.
At the drop of a hat
The idiom at the drop of a hat means someone is ready to start immediately, without hesitation. This came from the old American tradition of dropping a hat to signal the start of a race or fight.He would leave town at the drop of a hat.
Big shoes to fill
If you have big shoes to fill it means taking over a role from someone who was very capable or respected, and people have high expectations of you.The phrase uses the image of stepping into another person's shoes. When the shoes are large, the new wearer is measured against the person who came before.
The new coach knew he had big shoes to fill after the previous coach retired.
Dressed to kill
Dressed to kill means wearing clothes that look extremely stylish or impressive, designed to attract attention.The phrase appeared in English in the late 1800s. The word kill is used as exaggeration to suggest overwhelming impact rather than real harm.
She arrived at the party dressed to kill in a sequinned dress.
Dressed to the nines
Dressed to the nines means wearing very stylish or formal clothes and looking especially well dressed.The expression has been used in English since the 1700s, though the exact origin of the number nine is uncertain. It may come from earlier phrases suggesting something done to the highest degree.
Everyone at the wedding was dressed to the nines.
In your Sunday best
The phrase "in your Sunday best" originates from the Christian tradition of wearing your best to church on Sundays, to show respect for God.For poorer and black people, especially around the time slavery ended, their Sunday clothes were often the only good clothes they owned. These clothes became a mark of dignity and self-respect.
She's all dressed up in her Sunday best
Iron out the kinks
To iron out the kinks means to fix small problems or difficulties so that something works smoothly. People say this when they improve a plan, system, or process after noticing minor issues.The expression comes from ironing clothes. An iron removes wrinkles and uneven spots from fabric, making it smooth and tidy. In the same way, the idiom describes smoothing out problems.
The team spent the afternoon testing the new software to iron out the kinks before the launch.
Keep it under your hat
The idiom keep something under your hat means to keep a secret. It suggests not sharing information with others. It may have originated from hiding something under your hat, or keeping something in your head, which is under your hat.Keep it under your hat until the meeting.
Mix and match
To mix and match means to combine different things in many possible ways. People use the phrase when items can be chosen and put together freely instead of having to use a fixed set.This phrase became common in advertising and everyday language in the 1900s, especially when describing clothing or household items that could be combined in different styles or colors.
You can mix and match these pieces easily.
Put your face on
Put your face on means applying makeup before going out or meeting people. The phrase is usually said in a light or joking way.The expression appeared in everyday speech during the twentieth century. It treats makeup like something you "put on" as the final step before leaving the house.
Just let me put my face on and then I'll be ready to go.