take the starch out of
take the starch out of {v. phr.}, {informal}
1. To make (someone) feel weak or tired.
The hot weather took the starch out of Mrs. Jones, and she didn't feel like doing a thing.
The cross-country run took all the starch out of the boys.
2. See: TAKE THE WIND OUT OF ONE'S SAILS.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms