to the nines

Idioms

To perfection, to the highest degree; see under dressed to kill.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Appeared in the February 7, 2026, print edition as 'A Brawny F-Series Pickup, Dressed to the Nines'.

From The Wall Street Journal

"He was completely believable, dressed to the nines with his sword. He then proceeds to take over."

From BBC

I brought them out to the Grove and we filled it up with them and they dressed to the nines.

From Los Angeles Times

Sure, no one is stopping anyone from sauntering into their local grocery store dressed to the nines in faux fur and pumps.

From Salon

Staff at Foxhunters Care Community had decorated the venue with balloons and a red carpet, while Ruth and her fellow residents took the opportunity to dress to the nines for the big occasion.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023