Clothes Idioms (1 2) Written by: Martin Bache 1 English has a large number of idioms and expressions used to describe the clothes or appearance of people. Look at the following with a partner and match them with the correct explanation. Either yourself or your clothes are described as: 1) "a dandy" 2) "a bit tarty" 3) "looking like a million dollars" 4) "a bit of a scruff" 5) "very chic" 6) "mutton dressed up as lamb" 7) "a fashion victim" 8) "very smart" 9) "a bit of a spiv" a) Well dressed, usually in a formal way. b) Someone who is dressed in an untidy or unkempt way eg. Homer Simpson. c) Stylish. d) Not very sophisticated or demure. A little sexually provocative. e) A man with a great interest in clothes who perhaps dresses rather flamboyantly. f) Looking very good. g) Someone who always feels the need to have the latest clothes. h) A person who is involved in suspect business deals and doesn't dress in the best of taste. i) Dressing in a way that is too young for one's actual age. 2 Which are positive, and which negative? Some of them are more appropriate to describe women rather than men. Which are these? 3 Use the expressions above to complete the following sentences: 1. A: "How do I look?" B: "To be honest, I'm not sure a silver halter-top, micro-mini and thigh length boots are entirely appropriate for your Grandmother's funeral - the whole effect is .............................. ." 2. A: "That's .................................. you're wearing. Is it new?" B: Thanks. I've always fancied a chalk-striped, double-breasted suit, but was worried it would make me look ................................... ." A: "No, you look ................................. ." 3. A: "Does my bottom look big in this? I'm not sure I can get away with a skirt this short anymore. I don't want to end up looking like .................................. ." B: "Get a grip girl. We're not ready for our bus passes yet. I'm going to have my belly button pierced for the hen-night." 4. My brother-in-law has always been ................................. . He's never happier than when he's lounging around in his old jogging bottoms and baggy sweater with a hole in the elbow. 5 In my opinion, Audrey Hepburn always ............................... . With her gamine good looks she was the epitome of style. |