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a night on the tiles

proverb A night out (often with the suggestion of celebrating or partying). Similar to the American phrase "a night on the town." Primarily heard in Australia. I am so excited to go out for a night on the tiles after I finish my exams this week. We had a night on the tiles for Valerie's birthday. That's why we're all exhausted today.

be out on the tiles

To be at bars, clubs, parties, etc., and having an enjoyable time, often to the point of excess. Primarily heard in UK. When I was in university, I was out on the tiles nearly every night. Now that I have a full-time job, I just can't manage that anymore! There's nothing I enjoy more than getting together with my friends on a Friday and being out on the tiles!

go out on the tiles

To go to bars, clubs, parties, etc., and have an enjoyable time, often to the point of excess. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. When I was in university, I would go out on the tiles nearly every night. There's nothing I enjoy more than getting together with my friends on a Friday and going out on the tiles!

have a tile loose

informal To be or seem particularly silly, eccentric, crazy, or mentally unstable. That guy on the corner must have a tile loose or something, because he's been standing out there yelling obscenities at passersby all morning. My old uncle Pete has a tile loose, but he's a really nice guy. What's the matter with you? Do you have a tile loose, or what?

on the tiles

slang Engaged in a wild or rowdy celebration, often by drinking alcohol at bars or parties until the early hours of the morning. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. I'm still recovering from a heavy night on the tiles!

out on the tiles

slang Having a night of fun and/or celebration, often by going to bars and parties. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Our team won the big game, so we're definitely going out on the tiles tonight! I'm still recovering from spending Saturday night out on the tiles!

a night on the tiles

BRITISH, INFORMAL

If someone has a night on the tiles, they go out in the evening, for example to a bar or club, and come home late. Charlotte was dressed for a night on the tiles. Note: You can also say that someone is out on the tiles if they are out somewhere like a bar or a club. You look as though you've been out on the tiles, Ken. Note: This may be a reference to cats spending the night out on the rooftops.

on the tiles

away from home having a wild or enjoyable time and not returning until late in the evening or early in the morning. informal, chiefly British

The image here is of a cat out on the rooftops at night. The expression has been in use since the late 19th century.