to be all dressed up with nowhere to go

May 1

– C1 (advanced) –

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In Canadian English, this idiom typically means:

to be wearing a nice/sophisticated outfit, despite having no reason to wear such an outfit

EXAMPLES

“Sometimes when I am feeling down, I like to try different makeup techniques, do my hair, and put on a little black dress. I may be all dressed up with nowhere to go, but it makes me feel good to be creative and to do something just for myself.”
“Why are you wearing a tie? You got somewhere to be?”
“No. I just like ties.”
“So, what? You’re all dressed up with nowhere to go?”
“Yeah, I am. And?”
“No, no, it’s fine. You’re just not usually a ‘tie person.’”
“Well, I thought I would try something new.”