Dressed to kill

Definitions

• looking attractive or fashionable
  Used to describe someone who is dressed up and looking their best, often for a special occasion or to impress someone else.

• prepared for success or victory
  Used to describe someone who is not only dressed well, but also confident and ready to achieve their goals or conquer their opponents.

• dangerous or menacing appearance
  Describes someone who is dressed in a way that is intimidating or threatening, often to instill fear or to gain an advantage in a situation.

Examples of Dressed to kill

• She walked into the party dressed to kill.

  This idiom means that the person is dressed in a very stylish and attractive way, as if they are ready to seduce or impress others. It comes from the phrase "dressed to kill someone," which refers to someone who is dressed in a way that makes them look dangerous or menacing. In this context, it's just used figuratively to mean that the person looks particularly stylish and attractive.

• The detective entered the room dressed to kill the case.

  This idiom means that the detective is approaching the case with a lot of determination and focus, as if they are trying to solve it with deadly precision. It's a playful way to say that the detective is very serious and committed to solving the case.

• The model strutted down the runway dressed to kill the competition.

  This idiom means that the model is dressed in a way that makes them stand out and look more attractive than the other models, as if they are trying to eliminate the competition. It's a playful way to say that the model is confident and determined to win.

• The singer took the stage dressed to kill the audience.

  This idiom means that the singer is dressed in a way that makes them look particularly captivating and engaging, as if they are trying to mesmerize the audience. It's a playful way to say that the singer is very charismatic and talented.

• The politician entered the debate dressed to kill the opposition.

  This idiom means that the politician is dressed in a way that makes them look particularly confident and authoritative, as if they are trying to intimidate the opposition. It's a playful way to say that the politician is very persuasive and skilled at debating.

Conclusion

The phrase "dressed to kill" has several meanings, all related to appearance and attitude. It can be used to describe someone who is dressed in an attractive or fashionable manner, someone who is prepared for success or victory, or someone who has a menacing or dangerous appearance. In all cases, the phrase conveys a sense of deliberate and intentional dressing, with the goal of making a strong impression on others.

Origin of "Dressed to kill"

The origin of the idiom "dressed to kill" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century. Some sources suggest that it may have come from the military practice of wearing one's best and most elaborate uniform before going into battle, in order to intimidate the enemy. Others believe it may have originated in the world of fashion, where dressing to impress and make a statement has always been a common practice.

Regardless of its origins, the phrase has become a popular and widely used idiom in the English language. It is often used in a lighthearted or playful manner, but can also carry a more serious or sinister connotation, depending on the context in which it is used. Overall, "dressed to kill" is a versatile idiom that can be used to describe a variety of situations and appearances.