What are the origins of the expressions " dressed to the nines" and "dressed to the hilt"?

Question

This came up with in a lesson I had with student in Japan today, and I thought to myself, "Where better to ask...?"

Answer 1

found this for dressed to the nines:

Dressed to the nines
If you're 'dressed to the nines' it doesn't mean that you have nine layers of clothes on! It means you are dressed very smartly or elaborately.

This phrase dates from the 18th century, first reported in 1787 in the form 'Twad please me to the nine.' The dressed is a later addition, so the nine does not necessarily refer exclusively to clothing. The phrase is also often seen as up to the nines.

One explanation is that nine, in some numerological systems, connotes perfection. So that dressed to the nines means that you have achieved sartorial perfection.
Another explanation which relates more to clothing is that this saying refers to the amount of fabric required to make a quality suit - nine yards.

This may seem like a lot of fabric, but enables the tailor to cut all the pieces in the same direction.

So next time you look in the mirror ask yourself; Am I dressed to the nines?



but couldnt find anything for hilt

Answer 2

Dressed To The Nines Origin

Answer 3

According to dictionary.com, "to the hilt" or "up to the hilt" means : Completely, to the maximum degree, as in The house was mortgaged up to the hilt . This idiom alludes to the handle ( hilt ) of a sword, the only portion that remains out when the weapon is plunged all the way in. The figurative use of the term was first recorded in 1687.

Answer 4

"Dressed to the hilt" originated from the United Kingdom when on formal royal occasions, royalties and other monarchies wore Court Dress with gilt hilt" ; so when they say , you are dressed to the hilt, it means you are dressed like royalty ready to attend a royal occasion - in short, you are well dressed.