sells the family silver

Verb

sell the family silver (third-person singular simple present sells the family silver, present participle selling the family silver, simple past and past participle sold the family silver)

1. (dated, idiomatic) To sell one's property (not necessarily heirlooms) in an attempt to avoid or escape financial difficulties.
   • For two years he fretted in France, selling the family silver to support himself1939, Henry Louis Mencken, editor, The American Mercury, volume 48
2. (idiomatic) To sell a valuable or critical asset, especially for immediate or short-term gain.
   • And if it is close, when is it sensible to sell the family silver?1988, Lee E. Preston, editor, International and Comparative Studies, volume 1, →ISBN, page 161