sell the family silver

verb2

1. •
   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
2. •
   (old-fashioned) 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 himself — 1939