Nightly "What is the origin of that phrase?"

[caledesi]

Where did the phrase "dressed to the nines" originate?

No Googling or using other search engines.

Winner receives 2 backstage tickets to meet Toby Keith :evilgrin:

Congratulations to our last winner Nailzberg

Honorable mention to MojoKrunch, but NO MORE PEEKING!

[cosmicdot]

1. Don't Cry for me Argentina ..... (just a comment)

"It won't be easy, you'll think it strange
When I try to explain how I feel
That I still want your love after all that I've done

You won't believe me
All you will see is a girl you once knew
Although she's dressed up to the nines
At sixes and sevens with you"

I think I heard it first in a performance of HMS Pinafore, and I remember asking the poeple who were with me ... they didn't know ...

I hope someone knows.

[Bronco69]

2. I think I heard something like...

it is a reference to looking good from head to toe. 9 being a reference to shoe size?

[caledesi]

3. Hint: the "nines" refer to a certain area within a building.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

4. 9 yards of fabric needed for suits in, what Edwardian times?

[caledesi]

5. Last hint: "the nines" is key. Refers to special seating.

At 10:15, I will release the answer if no one has guessed.

[caledesi]

6. Ok folks, apparently this one was tough. Here's the answer:

The first 9 rows of the old opera houses were reserved for the wealthiest and elite people. Obviously, these patrons dressed very well. Hence the term "dressed to the nines." The "nines" referring to the first 9 rows of the opera house (prime seats).

No winner tonight.

[corarose]

7. Golly Gee I would love to have backstage passes to Toby Keith

He's my Idol!