Idioms related to clothes and fashion

List of clothing idioms with meaning and examples

Pull your socks up

Meaning: make an effort to improver performance

Example: We need to pull our socks up and study harder for the final exam.

Cut from the same cloth

Meaning: of the same nature; to be similar

Example: My brother and I are cut from the same cloth. We even sound alike on the telephone.

With a fine-tooth comb

Meaning: to examine or search very carefully

Example: FBI went through investigation with a fine-tooth comb.

Fit like a glove

Meaning: To fit perfectly

Example: I bought this new dress from a mall and it fits like a glove.

At the drop of a hat

Meaning: to do something immediately, without hesitation

Example: If you need any help, just let me know and I'll come at the drop of a hat.

To lose one's shirt

Meaning: to lose a lot of money

Example: One of my friend lost his shirt when the stock market crashed.

Roll up one's sleeves

Meaning: prepare for a fight or hard work

Example: When he realized he will miss a deadline, he rolled up his sleeves to finish the project.

In someone's shoes

Meaning: To be in someone else's situation

Example: Before you get angry at someone, put yourself in their shoes.

Have an ace up (one's) sleeve

Meaning: To have a secret or hidden advantage

Example: If you decide to go against the rules than you have to have an ace up your sleeve.

To laugh up (one's) sleeve

Meaning: To rejoice or laugh secretly

Example: I couldn’t help but laugh up my sleeve when I heard that funny joke.

Get the boot

Meaning: To get fired or rejected

Example: I need to find a new job as I got the boot today.

Burn a hole in your pocket

Meaning: To become eager to spend all money

Example: As soon as I get paid I go for shopping. Money burns a hole in my pocket.

To have ants in one's pants

Meaning: To be very excited or nervous about something

Example: Steve had ants in hid pants the day before his presentation.

To pull a rabbit out of a hat

Meaning: to do something unexpectedly

Example: We were about to go bankrupt, but my partner pulled a rabbit of a hat and we got new contract.

To take your hat off

Meaning: To show someone respect for their achievement

Example: I take my hat off to you for your remarkable performance in the dance competition.

Below the belt

Meaning: a very personal insult or harm

Example: Her personal remarks about my hair was below the belt.

Tighten your belt

Meaning: to spend less money

Example: I've had to tighten my belt since I lost my job.

To wear several hats

Meaning: To have many roles or tasks

Example: She wears many hats: she's a mother, an advocate, and a writer.

To wear the pants in one's family

Meaning: To have the dominant role in the family

Example: They look equally strong but Sara is the one who wears the pants in their relationship.

Wolf in sheep's clothing

Meaning: Someone who is dangerous but pretends to be harmless

Example: I can not trust your new friend. I think he is a wolf in sheep's clothing.