Meaning

"Dressed to kill" means dressed in a very stylish, attractive way, usually to impress people. It's a compliment. The "kill" is not violent here; it's the same exaggeration as "knock them dead": your look is so strong it could knock people over. You say it when someone clearly made a big effort: a sharp suit, a great dress, shoes that match everything.

It is informal and playful, good between friends, at parties and weddings. Be a little careful with it at work: it comments on someone's looks, and some people feel uncomfortable being noticed that way. With a coworker, a simpler "You look great today" is safer. One more thing: it can sound slightly teasing, as in "Why are you dressed to kill for a Tuesday?", so your smile matters.

In a conversation

ElifLucas
  1. Elif
  2. Lucas
  3. Elif
  4. Lucas
  5. Elif
  6. Lucas

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Check yourself

1"You're dressed to kill" is...
2Why does Elif suggest a different tie?

Practice · 3 min

Listen, then repeat. The stress falls on "kill". Say it with a surprised, happy tone.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.