expression, godan verb (-u)
quit a shady business; wash one's hands of; go straight
Idiomatic expression for leaving a disreputable occupation or lifestyle and starting anew. Often implies a decisive break with the past.
彼は暴力団から足を洗って、今は小さな店を経営している。
He quit the yakuza and now runs a small shop.
もう悪い仲間とは縁を切って、足を洗うつもりだ。
I'm going to cut ties with my bad friends and turn over a new leaf.
expression, godan verb (-u)
wash one's feet
Literal meaning of washing one's feet. Not commonly used in everyday conversation; the idiomatic sense is far more frequent.
海から帰ったら、まず足を洗ってください。
When you come back from the beach, please wash your feet first.