mutton dressed as lamb

Definition

A middle-aged or elderly woman dressed in a style more suited to a young woman, especially if in a deliberate attempt to appear young.

Etymology

A metaphorical sense of mutton (“unattractive older woman”) being dressed (clothed) as lamb (“a younger attractive woman”) and also a pun on mutton (“meat from old sheep”) being dressed (prepared) as lamb (“meat from young sheep”), related to obsolete lamb-fashion.

Example Sentences

• "In one of the rare cinematic depictions of an older woman as sexually attractive and active, Moreau also contributes to the end of Syl′s innocence by seducing him in the summer house. No mutton dressed as lamb could have done better!"
• "Elegant, slightly chic, but not mutton dressed as lamb. It was important to present a professional appearance to her former employer."
• "South African women are also so scared of looking like mutton dressed as lamb that we have plenty of women looking like lamb dressed as mutton!"