Have you ever come across an example that describes exactly what you are trying to express? Perhaps you found an outfit or item that is perfect for your goals. If so, the phrase to a tee can help you emote exactly what you feel. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n
The meaning of to a tee means that something has an exact fit. It also means that something is precisely perfect, or exactly what is needed. The phrase can be used to refer to people, items, ideas, or even food among other things. When someone says that it fits to a tee, or they merge well to a tee, it means that the item in question is ideal.<\/strong><\/p>\n The phrase is often seen simply written as \u201cto a T\u201d, but the long-form version, \u201cto a tee\u201d is also correct. The phrase implies that something is suitable without the need for alteration. It can also go to mean that something has been performed correctly, or exactly perfectly. It is intended to convey the idea of perfection in such a way as to be overly congratulatory. Using the phrase to a tee also implies that there is no need or room for improvement. More information can be found in the video (here<\/a>).<\/p>\n \u201cThe resemblance between those two is uncanny, they fit each other\u2019s style and body shape to a tee\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cThat impression captured dad\u2019s expressions to a tee\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cI want the instructions followed to a tee so that there are no mistakes or surprises\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you go visit your aunt, make sure that you follow her rules to a tee, she is very particular\u201d.<\/p>\n The phrase to a tee was first used in the 16th century. The English idiom to a tee was derived from the phrase to a tittle, which was first used in the 15th century. The Old English phrase \u201cto a tittle\u201d also meant that something was perfectly suited. There is no specific credit for who invented the phrase, but it was widely used at the time.<\/p>\n The later iteration of the phrase, \u201cto a tee\u201d was first seen in the early 1600s. Francis Beaumont\u2019s The Woman Hater, which was published in 1607, used the phrase to the tee. It has since been passed along through the generations in both writing and conversation. More modern forms of the phrase are written \u201cto the T\u201d, though \u201cto the tee\u201d is also equally found.<\/p>\nExample Usage<\/h2>\n
Origin<\/h2>\n