apple-pie order

noun

1. excellent or perfect order:

   Her desk is always in apple-pie order.

apple-pie order

noun

1. informal.
   perfect order or condition

Word History and Origins

Origin of apple-pie order¹

First recorded in 1770–80

Idioms and Phrases

Extreme neatness, as in David keeps his financial records in apple-pie order . This term is generally believed to be an English corruption of the French nappes pliées , “neatly folded linen.” [Early 1600s]

Example Sentences

I cannot find it among his papers—which, for the rest, are in apple-pie order.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a neat building, with everything in apple-pie order, and no danger of anything; rusting there for want of oil.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a neat building, with everything in apple-pie order, and no danger of anything rusting there for want of oil.

From Project Gutenberg

The last-named clearance had only just been effected, and the dormitory was in apple-pie order before the fox's intrusion.

From Project Gutenberg

Survivors bless the rod, an' fix up everythin' round the house in apple-pie order.

From Project Gutenberg