lick the stuffing out of (one)
lick the stuffing out of (one)
1. To strike or assault one violently and severely. "Lick" in this sense means to beat thoroughly. Likened to the cotton stuffing of a stuffed animal being knocked out of it by severe blows. Hey, watch it, pal, or I'll lick the stuffing out of you! Two guys mugged me and then licked the stuffing out of me last night.
2. To damage or lower one's confidence, motivation, or self-esteem. Boy, that performance review really licked the stuffing out of me—I just feel like I can't do anything right anymore.
See also: lick, of, out, stuffing
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
lick the stuffing out of
Also, lick the tar out of. See under beat the living daylights out of.
See also: lick, of, out, stuffing
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- lick the stuffing out of
- knock the stuffing out of (one)
- knock the stuffing out of somebody
- knock the stuffing out of someone
- take the stuffing out of (one)
- natural
- beat the stuffing out of (someone)
- kick the stuffing out of
- kick the stuffing out of (one)
- lick