ritz
put on the dog
To behave extravagantly, lavishly, or self-importantly; to make an ostentatious production or appearance. My wife always feels like she has to put on the dog whenever my parents come to visit. During the economic boom, you had people from all walks of life putting on the dog. All that ended when the crash hit, though.
See also: dog, on, put
put on the ritz
To behave extravagantly, lavishly, or self-importantly; to make an ostentatious production, presentation, or appearance. My wife always feels like she has to put on the ritz whenever my parents come to visit. During the economic boom, you had people from all walks of life putting on the ritz. All that ended when the crash hit, though.
See also: on, put, ritz
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
put on the dog
and put on the ritzto make things extra special or dress formally for a special event. Frank's really putting on the dog for the big party Friday night. They really put on the ritz for us.
See also: dog, on, put
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
put on the dog
Also, put on the ritz. Behave in an elegant, extravagant manner, as in We'll have to put on the dog when our daughter's in-laws visit, or They really put on the ritz for the wedding reception. The allusion in the first of these slangy terms, first recorded in 1865, is unclear, although it has been suggested that the newly rich displayed their wealth by keeping pampered lapdogs. The second term, from the 1920s, alludes to the large, luxurious hotels founded by and named for César Ritz (1850-1918), which still exist in Paris, London, and many other major cities.
See also: dog, on, put
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
put on the dog
AMERICAN, INFORMALIf someone puts on the dog, they act as though they are rich or important. We were all earning good money, buying expensive suits and putting on the dog.
See also: dog, on, put
put on the Ritz
INFORMALIf you put on the Ritz, you spend a lot of money to enjoy yourself in a grand way. Footballer Wayne Rooney really put on the Ritz as he treated fiancee Coleen McLoughlin to a romantic break in Paris. Note: This expression may come from the chain of expensive hotels called Ritz.
See also: on, put, Ritz
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
put on the dog
behave in a pretentious or ostentatious way. North American informalDog was late 19th-century US slang for ‘style’ or a ‘flashy display’.
1962 Anthony Gilbert No Dust in the Attic Matron put on a lot of dog about the hospital's responsibility.
See also: dog, on, put
put on the Ritz
make a show of luxury or extravagance.The hotels in Paris, London, and New York founded by the Swiss-born hotelier César Ritz ( 1850–1918 ) became synonymous with great luxury. This expression dates from the heyday of these grand hotels in the early 20th century.
See also: on, put, Ritz
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
put on the dog
and put on the ritz tv. to make things extra special for a special event. Frank’s really putting on the dog for the big party Friday night. We’re going out tonight, and we’re really gonna put on the ritz.
See also: dog, on, put
put on the ritz
verbSee put on the dog
See also: on, put, ritz
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
put on the dog
Informal To make an ostentatious display of elegance, wealth, or culture.
See also: dog, on, put
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
putting on the Ritz
Acting in a pretentiously stylish and affluent manner. César Ritz, founder of the Hotel Ritz in Paris and Ritz Hotel in London, lent his name to these and other highly fashionable institutions. To behave as if you belonged in such opulent settings and demand that you be treated as if you did would lead to being accused of “putting on the Ritz” or simply being “ritzy.” The phrase is best known as the title of a 1929 Irving Berlin song that has been performed by, among other, Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, and Peter Boyle (as the monster in Mel Brooks' movie Young Frankenstein). A similar expression is “putting on the dog,” coming perhaps from high collars and jeweled chokers known as “dogs.”
See also: on, put, Ritz
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price
- put on the dog
- put on the dog, to
- put on the ritz
- putting on the Ritz
- dress to kill
- style
- styling
- at rack and manger
- manger
- make an entrance