dressed to kill

USAGE SUMMARY

"dressed to kill" is a common phrase in spoken and written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's physical appearance when they have put extra thought and effort into looking attractive. For example: "She arrived at the party dressed to kill in a stunning red dress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Enter Sachs dressed to kill.

The Guardian - Music

The single, "Dressed to Kill", is released on 16 August.

The Guardian - Music

What's the movie with Michael Caine? "Dressed to Kill".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Most of them are dressed to kill and camera-ready".

The New York Times - Style

Dressed to Kill was a major box-office success, though some found the film misogynistic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They may or may not die for Elian, but they are dressed to kill.

The New York Times

When the black car pulled up at 9 15, she was dressed to kill.

The New York Times

At upscale restaurants, hotels and bars from California to New York, cocktails are dressed to kill.

The New York Times - Magazine

Properly proportioned, it is an aperitif in black tie -- convivial and dressed to kill.

The New York Times - Style

Some 4,000 people attend, dressed to kill in their fall 2000 "robes de cocktail".

The New York Times - Arts

On Friday nights, she'd hit the clubs, dressed to kill, but was very careful not to smoke or drink.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dressed to kill" to vividly describe someone's intention to impress through their appearance, typically in social or professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "dressed to kill" in contexts where a more casual or understated style is appropriate, as it implies a very deliberate and potentially aggressive approach to appearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dressed to kill" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's appearance. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies a deliberate effort to look extremely attractive and impressive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "dressed to kill" is a common and vivid way to describe someone who has put considerable effort into their appearance, aiming to make a strong impression. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in spoken and written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's important to use this phrase judiciously, considering the formality of the setting and the potential for misinterpreting its intensity. Alternatives such as "dressed to impress" or "looking sharp" may be more suitable in certain situations. Remember, as Ludwig's examples illustrate, "dressing to kill" is about making a statement through attire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dressed to the nines

Synonymous to dressed to kill, focuses on dressing very elegantly.

dressed to impress

Emphasizes the intention to create a positive impression, which is a core aspect of "dressed to kill".

impeccably dressed

Stresses the perfection and attention to detail in one's attire, aligning with the concept of "dressed to kill".

elegantly dressed

Elegant way to describe the action of dressing with style.

looking sharp

Focuses on a neat and stylish appearance, similar to the effect of being "dressed to kill".

stylishly dressed

General way to describe the action of dressing with style.

looking one's best

Highlights the effort put into achieving an optimal appearance, a key component of "dressed to kill".

fashionably attired

Highlights the stylishness and trendiness of the clothing, contributing to the impact of being "dressed to kill".

all dolled up

Implies careful attention to appearance, often for a special occasion, similar to the purpose of being "dressed to kill".

spiffed up

Suggests a smart and stylish appearance achieved through careful grooming and attire, mirroring the effect of "dressed to kill".

FAQs

How can I use "dressed to kill" in a sentence?

You can use "dressed to kill" to describe someone who is wearing very stylish or attractive clothing, like "She was "dressed to kill" for her job interview".

What does "dressed to kill" mean?

It means someone is wearing clothes that are intended to be very impressive and attractive.

What are some alternatives to "dressed to kill"?

You can use alternatives like "dressed to impress", "looking sharp", or "all dolled up" depending on the context.

Is "dressed to kill" formal or informal?

"Dressed to kill" is considered an informal idiom. Use it in casual conversation or writing, but avoid it in highly formal or professional contexts where more neutral language is expected.