apple-pie order

Etymology

(Can this⁽⁺⁾ etymology be sourced?) 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 (“head to foot”)
• French nappe pliée (“folded linen”)

The proposed nappe pliée fits more closely with the date of first attestation.

Noun

apple-pie order (uncountable)

1. (colloquial, dated) A neat and tidy arrangement or organization; a perfect order.
   • 1899, Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness, section 1

     And he was devoted to his books, which were in apple-pie order.

   • 1904, M.R. James, Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad

     He was made welcome...and was able before retiring to rest to arrange his materials for work in apple-pie order upon a commodious table which occupied the outer end of the room...

References

• Partridge, Dictionary of Slang, 7th Ed.
• “Apple-pie order” in Michael Quinion, Ballyhoo, Buckaroo, and Spuds: Ingenious Tales of Words and Their Origins, Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Books in association with Penguin Books, 2004, →ISBN.