fuss and feathers

Unnecessary embellishments or pomp. Oh please, don't throw me a dinner party—who needs that kind of fuss and feathers?

fuss and feathers

Rur. fancy addictions that are overdone or troublesome. A truly elegant dress doesn't have a lot of fuss and feathers. They ruined a nice room with all that fuss and feathers.

fuss and feathers

Needless commotion and display, as in There was so much fuss and feathers over the award ceremony that I decided not to attend . This expression probably survives because of its appealing alliteration. [Mid-1800s]

See also: and, feather, fuss

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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References in classic literature ?

I think she would get a glance of approval, though, from people who like sense and simplicity rather than fuss and feathers. Revolve, my Hebe, and let me refresh my eyes by the sight of you."

View in context

Then it was that the Madness of Manhattan, the frenzy of Fuss and Feathers, the Bacillus of Brag, the Provincial Plague of Pose seized upon Towers Chandler.

View in context

General Winfield Scott, known as "Old Fuss and Feathers" because of his elegant uniforms, began a final push to take Mexico City

War With Mexico

The nickname "Old Fuss and Feathers" was coined by soldiers to characterize the vain and pompous Gen.