apple-pie order

== English == === 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) (colloquial, dated) A neat and tidy arrangement or organization; a perfect order. === References === Partridge, Dictionary of Slang, 7th Ed. Michael Quinion (2004), “Apple-pie order”, in Ballyhoo, Buckaroo, and Spuds: Ingenious Tales of Words and Their Origins, Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Books in association with Penguin Books, →ISBN.