wash one's mouth out
The phrase "wash one's mouth out" is often used to reprimand someone for using offensive language, with origins rooted in the literal act of cleaning the mouth.
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🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2Behavior
(figurative, informal)To reprimand someone for using offensive or inappropriate language.
Example
- If you swear again, I'll wash your mouth out with soap!
- She told him to wash his mouth out after he used such vulgar language.
A2Hygiene
(literal)To clean one's mouth to remove food particles, bacteria, or bad breath.
Example
- After eating, it's a good idea to wash your mouth out to maintain oral hygiene.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "wash one's mouth out":
wash one's handswatch one's mouthmouth offwash outwash downpotty mouthswallow one's wordsmouth the wordswash awaywash overrinse downbad taste in one's mouthwash upswash someone's buckle