Something widely accepted as true or professed as being praiseworthy due to an unwillingness of the general population to criticize it or be seen as going against popular opinion. Taken from the Hans Christian Andersen fable of the same name, in which a vain king is sold imaginary clothing (i.e. really nothing at all) by two weavers who promise him that it is visible only to the wise, and cannot be seen by those who are ignorant, incompetent, or unfit for their position. The company's newest device is, in fact, a complete waste of money, but so many people are invested in their brand loyalty that they will continue to buy and adore it like the emperor's new clothes.

You cannot judge a man's character based on his clothing and appearance. A: "I can't believe John embezzled all that money. I always thought he seemed so professional." B: "Well you know what they say— the clothes don't make the man." I really need to get some better work clothes, but I just don't have the money right now. At least the clothes don't make the man!

To dress someone or oneself in something She clothes her newborn in the cutest outfits. I clothed myself in a beautiful gown for the gala.

You can judge a man's character based on his clothing and appearance. I'm not surprised John was fired for cause—he never dressed professionally, and the clothes make the man. You really need to get some better work clothes before starting this new job. The clothes make the man, you know

To advance or appropriate someone else's ideas, policies, or agendas as one's own. Many believe the challenger is really trying to steal the incumbent's clothes and beat him at his own game.

To express a thought or idea through written or especially spoken words. I find that I can put my ideas into words much better when I write them down, rather than trying to explain them to someone out loud. He struggled to put his feelings for Jane into words.

To put something up for sale, especially at an auction. After years of collecting, she had to put all her records on the block to cover the cost of her husband's debt.

One's very best clothes, as one might wear to a Sunday church service. Instead of some big party, let's all get dressed up in our Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes and go for lunch at a fancy restaurant for my birthday! This is going to be a formal event, so please come dressed in your Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes. The only time we got dressed up in Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes and went to mass was for Christmas and Easter.

One who is very interest in their appearance, clothing, and fashion. Of course he wore an ascot to the barbeque—he's a real clotheshorse.

Completely nude; having no articles of clothing on whatsoever. As I walked into the kitchen, I saw my roommate by the counter without a stitch of clothes on. I nearly dropped my mug of tea out of shock! The group of ten or so students streaked onto the field without a stitch of clothes between them.

Totally nude; not wearing any clothing whatsoever. As I walked into the kitchen, I saw my roommate by the counter with not a stitch of clothes on. I nearly dropped my mug of tea! The group of ten or so students streaked onto the field with not a stitch of clothes between them.

To be totally nude; to not have any clothing on whatsoever. My roommate didn't have a stitch of clothes on as I walked into the kitchen. I nearly dropped my mug of tea! The group of ten or so students didn't have a stitch of clothes between them as they streaked onto the field during the halftime performance.