Sunday best: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘Sunday best’ mean?
The idiom "Sunday best" refers to one's most formal or best attire or clothing, typically worn on Sundays or for special occasions.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "the cat's pyjamas" means something or someone that is considered to be wonderful, outstanding or excellent.
The idiom "the cat's pajamas" is used to describe something or someone who is highly admired, stylish, or impressive. It conveys a sense of excellence or being top-notch.
The idiom "the bee's knees" means that something or someone is exceptionally excellent, impressive or of high quality.
An idiom used to emphasize the extreme or exceptional quality of someone or something.
The idiom "that ever walked on two legs" is a colloquial expression used in American English. This idiom emphasizes the exceptional qualities or characteristics of someone or something. It is often used in a hyperbolic manner to convey a sense of awe, admiration, or astonishment.
The idiom "Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes" refers to one's best or finest clothing, typically worn on special or formal occasions, such as going to church. It implies dressing up to show respect or make a good impression.
The idiom "suit down to the ground" means that something is very suitable or appropriate for someone. It suggests a perfect match or fit between a person and a particular situation.
The idiom "suit down to the ground" is a perfect fit or compatibility between a person and a particular situation or role they are in. It is primarily used in British English and less prevalent in American English.
A "stuffed shirt" refers to a person who is formal, conservative, and overly concerned with appearance and social status. They are often considered arrogant or pompous due to their rigid and conventional behavior.
The idiom "strut one's stuff" means to show off one's abilities or talents confidently and proudly. It implies a sense of self-assurance and a desire to impress others with one's skills or accomplishments.
The idiom "strip off" means to remove clothing or other outer layers or coverings.
The idiom "strip off" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is mainly used in informal contexts and has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
The idiom "stand on ceremony" means to adhere strictly to formalities or traditions, often in a way that is considered unnecessary or excessively polite.
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Sunday best is an idiom that refers to one's best clothes or attire, typically worn on Sunday or for special occasions. It is commonly used in the United States and has a long history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The exact origin of the idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the practice of people dressing up in their finest garments for church services on Sundays.
Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes is another idiom that is closely related to Sunday best. It is used to describe clothes that are specifically worn for church or religious gatherings. The term 'Sunday-go-to-meeting' emphasizes the importance of dressing up in one's best clothes for religious observance, similar to the concept of Sunday best.
The phrase 'Sunday best' is a compound noun phrase, combining the noun 'Sunday', which refers to the day of the week, and the adjective 'best', which signifies the highest quality or standard. When used together, the phrase conveys the idea of wearing one's finest clothes on Sundays, often as a way to show respect, reverence, or personal pride.
dressed to the nines is another idiom that is related to Sunday best. It means to be dressed in a very fashionable or stylish way, often wearing one's best clothes. The phrase 'dressed to the nines' suggests that the person has made an effort to look their best and is dressed impeccably, just like someone would be when wearing their Sunday best.
Throughout history, wearing one's best clothes on Sundays has been associated with religious observance and societal norms. In many cultures, Sunday is considered a holy day and a time for worship, hence the practice of dressing up for church. Wearing one's Sunday best was seen as a way to honor the Sabbath and show reverence to God.
best of the bunch is another idiom related to Sunday best. It means to be the best in a group or category. The phrase 'best of the bunch' can be applied to one's clothing, suggesting that the clothes one wears on Sundays are of superior quality or style compared to others. It implies that one's Sunday best is the top choice or the most impressive attire.
The idiom 'Sunday best' has also expanded beyond its religious connotations and is now commonly used to describe dressing up for other special occasions or important events. It has become a metaphorical expression, highlighting the idea of presenting oneself in the most polished and impressive manner.
the cat's pajamas is another idiom that relates to Sunday best. It means to be excellent or impressive, often referring to one's appearance or style. The phrase 'the cat's pajamas' suggests that the person's clothes, like their Sunday best, are exceptional and noteworthy. It conveys a sense of admiration and praise for one's fashion choices.
While the exact origins of the idiom remain uncertain, it is clear that the notion of wearing one's best clothes on Sundays has transcended religious boundaries and cultural contexts. It continues to be a common idiom in American English, symbolizing the act of dressing up and presenting oneself at one's best.
The idiom 'Sunday best' not only reflects societal values and traditions but also represents the desire for self-expression and personal pride. It serves as a reminder that appearances matter and that the way one presents oneself can have an impact on how others perceive them.
As with many idioms, 'Sunday best' carries a deeper meaning beyond its literal interpretation. It speaks to the importance of self-presentation, respect for tradition, and the desire to convey a certain image or social status.
In a society where dress codes have become more relaxed and informal, the idiom 'Sunday best' serves as a reminder of the significance that clothing and appearance can hold. It prompts us to consider the power of presentation and the messages we convey through our clothing choices.
Overall, 'Sunday best' is an idiom deeply rooted in history and tradition, reflecting the practice of dressing up in one's finest clothes for Sundays and special occasions. It embodies the values of respect, adherence to societal norms, personal pride, and the desire for self-expression. Although its origins may remain elusive, the idiom continues to be a relevant and powerful expression in American English, reminding us of the enduring importance of appearance and presentation.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *Sunday best* can be used in a sentence:
- I always dress up in my Sunday best when I go to church.
- She wore her Sunday best to the wedding to look elegant and sophisticated.
- He put on his Sunday best for the job interview to make a good impression.
More "Clothing" idioms
