give the shirt off one's back give the shirt off one's back {v. phr.}, {informal} To give away something or everything that you own. He'd give you the shirt off his back. Categories: add yours {informal} {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: G Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Post my comment