Dressed to kill

Meaning

Wearing elegant clothing to impress.

Usage

Used when someone looks especially glamorous.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

19th-century fashion advice about outfitting for impact.

Popularized in jazz-age columns and still used.