It is a phrase that infers that one looks wonderful, appearing like a millionaire; read on to gain a clear understanding and how and when to use it.
‘Looking like a million dollars,’ is a condition of appearing very handsome or beautiful. A physical appearance that is well turned out both in style and form. It also implies that one has spent a great deal of money on one’s appearance.
There are always moments in life where the situation demands that we look our best. Whether a ceremony of some kind, or a time of unique importance to us where we dress and present, ‘like a million dollars.’
What Does, “Looking Like A Million Dollars, Look Like?
Nearly all of us at one moment or other need to present in the best possible manner. With the help of special grooming and the purchases of high-end clothing, we can present like someone of wealth and power.
In its simplest form, the relatively new idiom, or a form of an expression that is natural in a language of,’looking like a million dollars,’ quite literally means that you are looking your very best. Looking at your best also implies an unusual occasion, where for the moment you stand out more than usual. The occasion could relate to any number of occasions, ranging from a graduation ceremony to a romantic encounter with another.
Lets now have a more detailed examination of this phrase, and its use in our relationships.
Understanding The Idiom, “Looking Like A Million Dollars,” And Its Implications In Relationships With Others When Used
The phrase, `looking like a million dollars,’ is a relatively recent idiom of English used to describe our outstanding appearance. The phrase implies that on a particular occasion, our appearance is at a level of beauty not normally encountered by those around us. The sense of an unusually handsome moment for us could be as a result of the choice of clothing, a new hairstyle, or even attitude in that moment.
It has often been said that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and if this is true, there are moments in our lives where we look much better than usual. Our fast paced, production oriented lifestyle has us focused on completion and resolution of situations and circumstances in our life’s journey. At times we are so focused on our forward momentum, that we do not take the time in self care to enhance our physical presentation day to day. It can take a special occasion before we are prepared to invest ourselves and our resources in presenting in the best way possible. The ‘special occasion,’ may require the purchase of new clothes, or a trip to the beauty salon in preparation for the event. The resulting transformation can often cue those that know us to take note and comment.
The phrase, ‘look like a million dollars,’ can come to us from both familiar and unfamiliar sources. Our partner, coworker, friend, or boss, at any moment can make this comment to us. Even comments from strangers about how wonderful we look can be part of the process of, ‘ looking like a million dollars.’ In each of these situations, based on life’s experience, we could easily imagine a scenario where this type of commentary could come to us. Our partner may make the comment when seeing us out to dinner. A coworker may leave us with this comment apron arriving in our new suit of clothes. Friends may make the comment in response to our presentation at the Christmas party. Our boss may also be moved to make the comment while seeing the visual results of your recent raise.
This idiom is almost always used as it relates to a positive and uplifting commentary of how you present in that moment. On rare occasions, the phrase can be used sarcastically by others, who notice that we look tired or unprepared for the event. It is in fact a rhetorical comment that requires no response. It is a comment designed to set both your reality, and the reality of those around you that, you really look great! A modest smile may be all that is necessary to claim your moment of beauty.
‘Looking like a million dollars,’ can at times come with a heavy price tag. For example, in order to look your best for a conference, you may elect to buy a designer dress that is in a price range you would normally not consider. The old saying, ‘the clothes make the man,’ as a truism would have us, ‘look like a million dollars,’ in an expensive suit.
The phrase can also be coined when we have not spent money on clothes or an expensive haircut. There are times in life that because of our feeling state, we can, ‘look like a million dollars.’ The radiance on our faces after a vacation of tanning in the tropics can be enough to raise this comment. When our inner beauty shines through in our attitude and is expressed in our eyes and smile, we can look our best without investment.
Historical Significance Of The Idiom, ‘looking Like A Million Dollars’
Our own personal history tells us that his phrase can pass through moments in our lives with a degree of frequency. While it is a common enough idiom today, the first time it was used was in recent history dating back to the 1902 in the United States of America. It was found in a newspaper report in the sports section where the reporter stated, ” for the first six innings (of baseball) their team looked like a million dollars.” (Buffalo Evening News, 1902.)
After its use in sports, the idiom seemed to stay there for a few years. In modern times this idiom has broadened to include any situation where someone is presented at their best. The only noteworthy addition to the change of the idiom is its growing presentation of, ‘billion dollars,’ rather than, ‘million dollar’; in keeping with inflation.
‘Looking Like A Million,’ At Work
It is not uncommon these days for our work projects as well as how we present them to, ‘look like a million dollars.’ There is an expectation in the workplace now for very high levels of quality. The quality extends beyond what we are producing, to how we present our ideas and products, to how we look while doing it. The entire package now has to be a well polished work that shows that both time and money have been spent to get the concept to where it currently sits. Much is expected of executive staff. No longer people with good ideas, but people with presentation skills and looks, with a package that, ‘looks like a million dollars.
Examples With “Look Like A Million Dollars”
- She looked like a million dollars the night we met.
- I always wanted to be with someone that would look like a million dollars to me.
- It is a lot of pressure to prepare for a public event of this magnitude. You know you have to look like a million dollars or stay home.
What Is Necessary To Hear, You Look Like A Million Dollars?
This is a very desirable phrase for any of us to hear. Whether relating to work, relationships or how we look, it is one of the few idioms we would all like to hear. What then is necessary for us to do in order to hear this idiom ring our name. Studies have shown that accolades like this are a product of two factors. The first is the actual job or look you have achieved. You and your work must stand out above all else, and in so doing, leave little doubt as to the beauty that exists.
The second factor appears to be something more elusive; the eyes of those looking at us. How we and what we do are perceived by people in different ways. Their vista is tempered by many factors including their feelings for us and the value we bring to them. The short answer is that we are much more likely to hear this phrase from someone who is invested in us and what we do for them than from a random stranger expressing their feelings at first sight.
English Idioms
Conclusion
When can we coin the phrase, ‘looking like a million dollars?’ The great hope is that you will both hear and say this important idiom of English with frequency. Surely in a world of hypercriticism and negativity, this much-needed phrase offers more than platitudes. By hearing someone of worth in our lives utilize this phrase in relation to us is a true gift. Leaving us with a sense of our attractiveness and value lasting long after the phrase is coined.
As a supportive commentary, it can lift us to new levels in our relationships and work productivity. It helps reestablish our value in life, lifting our self-esteem and image. This idiom holds great power when used sincerely. So go ahead and be clear, to let each other know when, ‘you look like a million dollars.’
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.