apple-pie order

Meaning

Noun

• A neat and tidy arrangement or organization; a perfect order.

Origin

• Unknown. First recorded in 1780 in the sea journal of an Englishman. There are two mainstream theories as to its origin, although there is no evidence for either:
• French cap-à-pied
• French nappe pliée
• The proposed nappe pliée fits more closely with the date of first attestation.