take the starch out of

Idioms  

1. Deflate or ridicule someone, as in That practical joke at the office party really took the starch out of Nick. This expression, first recorded in 1840, alludes to the starch used to stiffen a shirt.

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Example Sentences

The guys give off the impression, both online and in person, that they just want to take the starch out of this stuffed-shirt town.

From Washington Post

One is to be utterly honest, which isn’t easy because it can hurt feelings and take the starch out of a friendship that is otherwise good.

From Golf Digest

“It wasn’t long and that lead was gone and that can certainly take the starch out of you a little bit when you’ve got your ace out there and you know he’s struggling.”

From Washington Times

Garnett’s ouster seemed to take the starch out of the crowd, and the Grizzlies threatened to pull away with a 10-2 run that gave them a 67-52 lead midway through the third.

From Washington Times

“Here,” she said, “this’ll make you feel better. It’ll take the starch out of those straight lines. That’s what’s bugging you. Everything is too neat and straight and you’re all boxed in. Like Algernon in his sculpture there.”

From Literature