Idioms related to clothes and clothing
Idioms are phrases or common expressions which usually have figurative but sometimes also literal meaning. Check out our list of common idioms related to clothes and clothing.
Air one’s dirty laundry in public
Meaning: to talk about your personal problems and quarrels or argue in front of others
Example: Stop fighting you two, no one wants to hear you airing your dirty laundry in public.
All talk and no trousers
Meaning: someone who talks about doing big things but doesn’t do anything
Example: I told you Eric is all talk and no trousers. He was bragging that he’ll ask Jenny put and he didn’t even say ‘hi’ to her.
At the drop of a hat
Meaning: to do something immediately
Example: Ann was always ready to help at the drop of a hat.
Below the belt
Meaning: beyond what is socially acceptable behavior
Example: Asking her about her mother’s sickness was below the belt.
Bursting at the seems
Meaning: to be very full during a meal, for a place to be overcrowded, or in relation to clothes that don’t fit
Example: Wow, this club is so packed it’s bursting at the seams.
Caught with one’s pants down
Meaning: to be exposed in an embarrassing situation or when you’re not prepared
Example: I was expecting the meeting to be next week and I was caught with my pants down when the boss asked me about my project.
Cut from the same cloth
Meaning: said about people who are similar
Example: When I talked to her for the first time I knew we were cut from the same cloth.
Dressed to the nines
Meaning: to wear your best clothes/outfit
Example: I’m dressed to the nines whenever I go on a date, it makes me feel more confident.
Fit like a glove
Meaning: about something that is the right size
Example: I though the wedding dress I chose would need some adjustments, but it fits me like a glove.
Hand in glove with someone
Meaning: to have an extremely close relationship with someone
Example: John is my closest coworker we do everything hand in glove.
Have a card up one’s sleeve
Meaning: to have a planned strategy to use when the right time comes
Example: During negotiation I like to have a card up my sleeve.
Have ants in one’s pants
Meaning: to be nervous or excited about something
Example: Kylie’s got ants in her pants, she can’t wait for the trip.
Have deep pockets
Meaning: to be wealthy
Example: The mayor has deep pockets, he can afford a car like that.
Off the cuff
Meaning: without any preparation
Example: You shouldn’t make public remarks off the cuff.
Pull up one’s socks
Meaning: to try harder at something
Example: You have been slacking off, it’s time to pull your socks up and pass all the exams.
Put a sock in it
Meaning: to stop talking
Example: Put a sock in it, we can’t hear what they’re saying in the movie.
Put one’s thinking cap on
Meaning: to think hard about something
Example: I don’t have an idea for a gift for Janice, I need to put my thinking cap on and come up with something good.
Roll up one’s sleeve
Meaning: prepare to work hard
Example: This semester is going to be hard, we need to roll up our sleeves and get through it.
Wear the trousers
Meaning: to be in charge
Example: Gina wears the trousers in their relationship.
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