Idiom meaning, usage examples, facts

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GIVE (SOMEONE) THE SHIRT OFF (ONE'S) BACK

to give (figuratively) someone all one’s possessions; to be very generous
GIVE (SOMEONE) THE SHIRT OFF (ONE'S) BACK
1. The young woman’s parents had denied themselves luxuries and vacations to provide for her. They had given her the shirts off their backs to give her a good life.
2. Charlie is the nicest guy – he’d give you the shirt off his back if you were in trouble.

The expression suggests that one would give someone all one’s money and possessions down even to the shirt one is wearing.


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