take the starch out of (someone)

idiom

US, informal + old-fashioned
: to make (someone) weak or unsure : to cause (someone) to lose energy or confidence
When he lost the second game, it seemed to take the starch out of him.

Dictionary Entries Near take the starch out of (someone)

take the stage

take the starch out of (someone)

take the time

Cite this Entry

“Take the starch out of (someone).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20the%20starch%20out%20of%20%28someone%29. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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