lose (one's) shirt
To lose a significant amount of one's money (often all of it). This is my last chance—I'll lose my shirt if this business venture fails.
lose one's shirt
Fig. to lose a lot of money; to lose all of one's assets (as if one had even lost one's shirt). I almost lost my shirt on that deal. I have to invest more wisely. No, I can't loan you $200. I just lost my shirt at the racetrack.
lose one's shirt
Face financial ruin, go bankrupt, as in He lost his shirt in the last recession. This expression implies one has lost even one's shirt. [Early 1900s]
lose your shirt
lose all your possessions, especially as the result of unwise financial transactions. informallose your ˈshirt
(informal) lose all or a lot of your money and possessions: ‘How did you two get on at the races?’ ‘I won $300 and Paul lost his shirt.’ OPPOSITE: make a killinglose one’s shirt
tv. to go broke; to lose everything of value, even one’s shirt. I lost my shirt on that bank deal.
lose (one's) shirt
Slang To lose everything one has or owns.