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the shirt off one's back
01
everything a person has to offer for helping someone, even things that they need for themselves
What is the origin of the idiom "the shirt off one's back" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "the shirt off one's back" is rooted in the practicality and significance of clothing in everyday life. In earlier times, clothing, particularly shirts, held considerable value as a vital and valuable possession. This phrase is used in a variety of contexts and occasions to emphasize extreme generosity or selflessness. It is commonly employed when discussing acts of charity, assistance, or sacrifice.
Example
He's the type of friend who would give you the shirt off his back if you asked for it.
When I lost all my money in a bet, he lent me the shirt off his back to help me get back on my feet.
The community rallied together, donating food, clothing, and even the shirts off their backs to help the victims of the natural disaster.
