Best Bib and Tucker, One’s: One’s Finest Feathers
Definition
Dressed in one’s finest clothes, epitomizing chic and elegance. A tucker was an ornamental piece of lace worn by women in the 17th and 18th centuries to cover the neck and shoulders. A bib could be a fancy frill on the front of a man’s shirt or a formal shirt front itself. Originating in the mid-18th century, this phrase dressed its best in print in 1795.
Similar Terms, Expressions, and Proverbs
- Sunday Best: This phrase also hails from an era when folks reserved their finest attire for church.
- Dressed to the Nines: Being impeccably dressed, head-to-toe in style.
- Gussied Up: Sporting one’s most stylish and often surprisingly bold attire.
- All Dolled Up: Typically used for women, meaning elaborately dressed and groomed.
- Finery: Elegant, extravagant clothing and accessories.
- Decked Out: Adorned or dressed in the best clothes or decorations.
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Why change clothes if the ones you have on aren’t filthy and can be seen in a dim light? —My grandmother’s philosophy.”
- “Behind every well-dressed man, there are five indignant girlfriends.”
Inspirational and Thought-Provoking
- Inspirational Thought: “Whatever you wear, wear it with confidence. Confidence is the best accessory anyone can wear.”
- Thought-Provoking: “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” —Coco Chanel
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Book: “The Devil Wears Prada” by Lauren Weisberger – A tale of fashion’s beautiful yet daunting world.
- Song: “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top – Celebrating a well-dressed gentleman.
- Poetry: “Song” by John Donne – An era piece intricately tied to historic adornments.
- Movie: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” – Where elegance and understated glory shine through Audrey Hepburn’s performance.
### Which idiom means to dress in your finest clothes?
- [x] Best Bib and Tucker
- [ ] Hunky Dory
- [ ] Crocodile Tears
- [ ] Cat Got Your Tongue
> **Explanation:** "Best Bib and Tucker" means wearing one’s finest clothes, often including historic lace tuckers and frilled bibs.
### What does “Sunday Best” refer to?
- [x] Wearing one’s finest clothes, usually for a religious gathering.
- [ ] A sumptuous Sunday brunch.
- [ ] Taking a relaxing nap on a Sunday afternoon.
- [ ] Dancing exclusively on Sundays.
> **Explanation:** "Sunday Best" means dressing in your best clothes, typically reserved for attending church service.
### True or False: ‘Gussied Up’ means to be dressed shabbily.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "Gussied Up" refers to dressing elaborately and stylishly, often flamboyantly, not shabbily.
### How old is the phrase “best bib and tucker” based on earliest evidence?
- [ ] 19th century
- [ ] 20th century
- [x] 18th century
- [ ] 21st century
> **Explanation:** The phrase "best bib and tucker" dates back to the 18th century, as seen in 1795 print references.
“Remember, it’s not about the clothes you wear, but the stories they tell. Dress in your dreams, aspirations, and inspirations — now that’s truly wearing your best bib and tucker!” - Eloise Frillsworth
