E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pluck his Goose.
I’ll pluck his goose for him. That is: I’ll cut his crest, I’ll lower his pride, I’ll make him eat umble pie. Comparing the person to a goose, the threat is to pluck off his feathers in which he prides himself.
