chew the meat and spit out the bones

bag of bones

A skinny, malnourished person or animal.

bite off more than one can chew

To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing.

chew off

To reprimand, to scold

chew on

To consider, to ponder.

chew the cud

To meditate or ponder before answering; to be deep in thought; to ruminate.

chew the scenery

To display excessive emotion or to act in an exaggerated manner while performing; to be melodramatic; to be flamboyant.

chew up

To ruin (especially land), by digging.

dead meat

Someone in danger of being killed or severely punished.