Where did Dressed to the sevens come from?

The phrase "dressed to the nines" is the correct phrase, not "dressed to the sevens." It's a common idiom that means to be dressed in a very stylish and elegant way.

The origin of the phrase is uncertain, but there are a few popular theories:

1. Nine as a Symbol of Perfection:

* Nine has long been associated with perfection, completion, and excellence in various cultures. This could be linked to the idiom, suggesting that being "dressed to the nines" implies reaching the highest level of fashion and style.

2. Nine Yards of Fabric:

* Another theory suggests that the phrase originated in the 18th century when it was fashionable for men to wear nine yards of fabric in their clothing.

3. Nine Bells:

* This theory connects the phrase to the nautical tradition of ringing nine bells to signal the end of a watch. It could be linked to the idea of being fully prepared and ready for something, just like a ship's crew is after the nine bells have been rung.

4. Card Game "Nine Men's Morris":

* This theory suggests the phrase might be related to the game "Nine Men's Morris," where players aimed to capture all nine of their opponent's pieces. Being "dressed to the nines" could symbolize being completely prepared and ready to win.

5. Other Theories:

* There are other less common theories, such as the phrase being a play on words with "nines" representing a type of fabric or referring to a specific fashion trend.

Regardless of its exact origin, "dressed to the nines" is a widely used idiom that continues to express the concept of being exceptionally well-dressed.