All get out

[bond00777]

Where does the phrase 'all get out' come from and what does it mean?

[andy hughes]

It's a corruption of "All got out." and it dates back to the days when people wore their working clothes during the week, and their 'Sunday best' for church, or special occasions. Sometimes people would wear part of their outfit, but if the occasion was important enough 'all (would be) got out' meaning that the entire outfit would be worn, so it signifies an important event or occasion.