wash one's mouth out

== English == === Alternative forms === wash out one's mouth === Etymology === From the formerly common practice of punishing children who have lied or used foul language by forcing them to wash their mouths using a cleansing substance, typically soap. === Pronunciation === === Verb === wash one's mouth out (third-person singular simple present washes one's mouth out, present participle washing one's mouth out, simple past and past participle washed one's mouth out) (usually imperative, figuratively) To stop using bad language, or atone for doing so. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see wash out,‎ mouth. ==== Related terms ==== mouthsoap ==== Translations ==== === See also === watch one's mouth