best bib and tucker

Idioms  

1. One's finest clothes, dressed up, as in The men were told to put on their best bib and tucker for the dinner dance. Although wearing either a bib (frill at front of a man's shirt) or a tucker (ornamental lace covering a woman's neck and shoulders) is obsolete, the phrase survives. [Mid-1700s] For a synonym, see Sunday best.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

best bib and tucker

Melbourne proudly put on its best bib and tucker for the local girl who made good.

From Time Magazine Archive

Her hansom is at the door and, arrayed in her best bib and tucker, she is hurrying through the hall when Dysart, who has just come, presents himself.

From April's Lady A Novel by Hungerford, Margaret Wolfe

"And with its best bib and tucker on, if I am any judge of la toilette," said Lionel.

From A Heart-Song of To-day by Savigny, Annie Gregg

I was listening to every word you said, and I've got my best bib and tucker in that hand box.

From A Texas Matchmaker by Adams, Andy

She hoped that Dyckman would take her out to the theater or a dance, and she put on her best bib and tucker, the bib being conspicuously missing.

From We Can't Have Everything by Hughes, Rupert