[chew] {sb} up and [spit] {sb} out

to completely defeat someone, leaving them feeling overwhelmed or powerless

The idiom "chew someone up and spit someone out" originates from the metaphor of a powerful force or situation, such as a competitive environment or challenging experience, acting on an individual with the ferocity of chewing and subsequently spitting them out. The phrase is nowadays used to convey a sense of ruthless treatment, where someone is subjected to harsh circumstances that leave them figuratively broken or defeated.

In the highly competitive industry, new businesses often get chewed up and spit out if they can't adapt quickly.
The intense training program was designed to weed out the unprepared, chewing up and spitting out those who couldn't meet its demands.
After the merger, some employees felt like they were chewed up and spit out in the corporate restructuring.
The demanding project manager had a reputation for chewing up and spitting out team members who couldn't meet strict deadlines.
Facing fierce competition in the sports arena, the underdog team was determined not to be chewed up and spit out by more experienced opponents.