wash (one's) mouth out (with soap)
To punish one for using rude, vulgar, or obscene language by cleaning their mouth with soap (usually used merely as a threat). If you kids don't stop cussing in this house, I'm going to wash your mouths out with soap!
wash your mouth out
An admonishment for using profanity. Used especially by parents (or other adults) as a figurative imperative to children. Wash your mouth out! What would your mother think if she heard you using that language!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.